Overview

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Question 3C would implement ranked choice voting (RCV) in all future Longmont City Council elections beginning in 2029. RCV offers you more choice, allows you to vote honestly instead of strategically or “for the lesser of two evils”, and ensures the winners truly reflect the preferences of the voters.

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How Does Ranked Choice Voting Work?

 

With RCV, you can rank candidates in a race in their order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.), instead of picking just one. Votes are then counted in rounds, but as a voter you only have to vote once. Your vote always counts for your first choice, unless your first-choice candidate has the fewest votes—then your vote is automatically counted for your next choice.

 

This process continues until a candidate has over 50% of the vote, ensuring the winner has broad support from the voters.

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Voters Love Ranked Choice Voting!

 

In short, RCV allows you to vote for who you actually want to—and have your vote count for a backup choice if your first choice can’t win. Voter surveys show that everywhere voters use it, they love it! RCV is already in use across the country in a wide variety of jurisdictions, including Alaska and Maine for statewide races, and New York City and San Francisco for city elections. RCV is also already in use right here in Colorado, including to elect Boulder’s mayor in 2023 and four members of Fort Collins’ City Council this past November.