We need ranked choice voting
Do we want to send our District 1 U.S. Representative to Washington — with only 18% of the vote? Under the present system, that is possible in this Nov. 5 Russ Fulcher (incumbent) race — four candidates on ballot and two certified write-ins, totaling six.
It is possible for six candidates to have individual totals of 18%-17.5%-17%-16.5%-16%-15% — so the winning candidate is supported by only 18% of the voters. Wouldn't it be better for a winning candidate to have a broad coalition of voters behind him, to whom he is accountable? RCV is better named “Instant, computer-tabulated run-offs until one candidate has 50%” — and is only used in general elections. You mark your first choice for each office. Suppose your first choce is knocked out in the initial vote-count; you are not required to make 2nd choice — your ballot is not thrown out, you just give up your voice in subsequent run-offs — if you list 1st choice only.
If you listed a second choice, the computer “looks” at your ballot and in effect says, “Sally's first choice (for Bob) — counted on the first tally — but Bob got the least votes, so he's out of the next run-off. If Sally listed a second choice, that becomes her first choice in next instant run-off.” It is always one person, one vote for each run-off.
Vote yes on Proposition 1 to get fair elections with open primaries and ranked choice voting.
ORRIN EVERHART
Bonners Ferry