Proposition 1 is the wrong choice for Idaho

Recently, a letter to the editor in favor of Proposition 1 explained that Rank Choice Voting (RCV) in a conservative rural district in Maine in 2018, enabled a Democrat to be elected after two rounds of voting. This is exactly why RCV is wrong for Idaho. We want conservatives in office.

The letter also inaccurately claimed that RCV isn’t the reason thousands of votes have been tossed in elections. It is precisely why those votes were not counted. RCV is designed to eliminate votes and make it easier for candidates with a minority of supporters to win.

How? First it splits the vote. Then it tosses away votes.

Imagine Prop 1 is implemented and four candidates are on the ballot. Three Republicans and one Democrat.

Traditional primaries were eliminated, so the Republican party didn’t establish a candidate of choice to support. Republican votes were divided between the three conservative candidates. Many Republicans only ranked a single candidate, who was eliminated as he/she received the least votes. This happens again in the second round. Now, because so many conservative votes were eliminated, the Democrat, the individual the fewest number of people wanted in office, wins the election.

Proposition 1 is an immoral scheme designed to destroy the conservative vote. That’s not fear-mongering. That’s fact.

Vote no on Proposition 1.

JANINE SHEPARD

Sandpoint