Ranked choice voting serves voters better

With RCV you may not get the result you want most, but you won’t have to put up with a result most voters didn’t want at all. You may not get your favorite, but you probably won’t end up with the person you oppose with all your heart.

Simply put, RCV discourages the warring tribalism we suffer today. RCV candidates must appeal to a variety of voters because candidates will need second choice voters as much as they need first choice voters.

The counting process is easy to understand, transparent, and trustworthy. According to FairVote, 18 states use RCV one way or another including Alaska will begin using it for all state and federal general elections, and Maine that uses it for all state and federal primary elections and more.

Where runoff elections are required, RCV can reduce the cost of elections, but cost isn’t the real issue. The real issue is government that is supported by the majority with the obligation to treat minority opinions with the respect they deserve. Don’t let people “snow” you with arguments about the simplicity of the way we currently elect our government. Our current system could "simply" be better. RCV serves all voters better.

Myrna Loerhlein

Cedar Rapids

Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com