**Bloomington Votes To Keep Ranked-Choice Voting**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 07, 2024

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Bloomington Votes to Keep Ranked-Choice Voting: A Victory for Fair Elections

Bloomington, Indiana has made history by becoming the first city in the state to permanently adopt ranked-choice voting (RCV). In a decisive victory, the measure passed with a comfortable margin on November 7th, 2023, solidifying RCV as the city's preferred electoral system for the foreseeable future. This decision marks a significant step forward for electoral reform in the state and underscores the growing popularity of this fairer, more inclusive voting method.

What is Ranked-Choice Voting?

Ranked-choice voting, also known as instant runoff voting, allows voters to rank their preferred candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed according to the voters' second choices. This process continues until one candidate secures a majority, ensuring that the elected official reflects the will of a majority of voters.

Why Bloomington Chose RCV

Bloomington has a long history of civic engagement and progressive politics. The decision to adopt RCV was driven by several key factors:

• Greater Choice: RCV gives voters more freedom to express their preferences, even if their top choice isn't the eventual winner.
• More Inclusive Elections: RCV can encourage participation from a wider range of candidates, including those from minority parties or independent candidates.
• Reducing Negative Campaigning: With less emphasis on winning a plurality, RCV can encourage candidates to focus on building broader appeal rather than resorting to divisive tactics.
• Ensuring Majority Support: The eventual winner of an RCV election is guaranteed to have the support of a majority of voters, making the outcome more representative.

Bloomington's Path to RCV

The road to adopting RCV in Bloomington was a journey of advocacy and community engagement. The Bloomington RCV Campaign, a coalition of local groups and individuals, worked tirelessly to educate the public about the benefits of RCV and garner support for its implementation. This grassroots effort played a crucial role in building momentum for the measure and securing its passage.

The Future of RCV in Indiana

Bloomington's success in implementing RCV is a positive development for the state of Indiana. It serves as a model for other cities and towns considering adopting this fairer and more democratic voting method. As more communities explore RCV, the potential for statewide adoption becomes increasingly real.

The victory in Bloomington demonstrates that voters are ready for a more representative electoral system, one that empowers them to choose their leaders and ensures that their voices are truly heard. This is a win not just for Bloomington, but for all of Indiana.