We chose ranked choice voting. Let’s finish the job!

by Kate Kavanagh

On May 1, 2022, Concord passed a home rule petition to use ranked choice voting (RCV) in its elections. The town’s state legislators filed Concord’s home rule petition at the State House, and a hearing was held for the measure by the Joint Committee of Election Law on June 21, 2023.  

So we can now enjoy the benefits of ranked choice voting? Not necessarily!

Concord’s bill, H.664, awaits further Committee action — along with similar bills for RCV home rule petitions from Acton, Amherst, Arlington, Brookline, Lexington and Northampton. On February 10, this committee will decide which bills they will move forward this session. If H.664 does not make the cut, Concord would have to start the process all over again.

All seven communities spent significant time researching and debating ranked choice voting before choosing this increasingly popular approach to running fairer, more democratic elections. We urgently need to let our legislators know that they must actively advocate for our RCV bills. 

Democracy is in Concord’s DNA.

There are several ways you can help send that message:

• Lobby at the State House — Tuesday, January 30 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. (Signup and get additional information HERE). 

• Call or email your Representative before February 10. (Click HERE to automatically call or send your message.)

• Join a virtual phone bank to call other RCV supporters — M-F 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. (Sign up HERE.)

It’s in the DNA of Concord and other Massachusetts municipalities to promote democracy. It’s unlikely we’ll be able to use ranked choice voting for local elections unless our voices are heard at the State House between now and February 10th. I hope you will raise your voice to support this important initiative.

Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a more democratic, inclusive, and empowered way to choose our elected officials. The “instant runoff” process automatically eliminates candidates with no chance of winning, awarding their votes to each constituent’s second choice. Rounds of runoffs continue until one candidate receives 51% or more of the votes. With RCV voters can abandon the “who’s most likely to win” filter, ignore the incessant pollsters, and just vote for whom they want without fear of “wasting” their votes or “splitting” the field. This more open process encourages new candidates to run, all candidates to campaign with civility, and more voters to come to the polls. It offers a mandate and accountability for elected officials.