LETTER: Senator supports RCV

To the Editor:

Our democracy is under threat from within. Our political divisions are getting worse; partisans eye each other with suspicion, rather than working together to solve problems on behalf of voters. It is clear we need to change the way we elect our leaders so we can change the incentives in our political system.

Ranked choice voting is a simple step that can heal these divisions and strengthen our democracy. Also called instant runoff voting, RCV empowers voters to rank candidates in order of preference and ensures winners earn a majority in a decisive and cost-effective election.

Under RCV, candidates must appeal to their opponents’ supporters for second and third-choice votes, and the most successful candidates do that by running positive campaigns focused on policy solutions rather than personal attacks. That’s exactly the antidote we need to heal our divisions and promote more civil and representative elections.

I was excited that Minnetonka’s voters approved ranked choice voting in 2020 for its municipal elections, and I am now honored to represent the northern half of the city in the Minnesota Senate. At the local level, RCV gives voters greater choice and power, eliminates expensive, low-turnout city primaries, and ensures majority winners in the November general election, when turnout is higher and more representative.

This fall, Minnetonka voters will rank their ballots for ward councilmember seats, and I look forward to seeing success similar to what the city experienced in its first ranked-choice election in 2021.

Despite approval of RCV just three years ago and its success in 2021, there is a ballot question this fall to repeal RCV. In this perilous time, we must do everything we can to strengthen our democracy, and unfortunately, this ballot measure does the opposite. RCV gives no partisan advantage, it simply ensures that our leaders are supported by a majority — in a single election when more of the city voters are participating. I urge Minnetonka voters to vote NO on repeal to save RCV and allow the city to continue its strong example of a thriving local democracy. Vote September 22 to November 7.

Kelly Morrison, Minnesota State Senator from District 45