Ranked choice ensures common ground

I wasn't surprised by the recent letter regarding ranked choice voting. Misconceptions are common. Here's how RCV actually works:

Picture a race with three candidates. You rank "Tom," an independent, first. "Mary," a Republican, has experience. You place her second. "John" is a Democrat with exciting ideas. You rank him third.

Tom receives 30% of the votes. Mary has 32%, John, 38%.

Typically, John would've won with the most votes. However, John didn't actually receive the majority; 62% of the voters didn't choose him. With RCV, a candidate needs a mathematical majority, 50% plus one, to win.

In Round Two, the lowest vote-getter, Tom, is eliminated. Ballots listing Tom first now move to their second choice. John receives 48%, and Mary 52%. Mary wins. Voters who chose Mary second significantly impacted the results.

RCV keeps communities from being represented by a candidate only a small group voted for. Citizens find common ground among their second and third choices. Voters consider several candidates because they can choose several.

It reduces negative campaigning. Candidates need second and third-place votes. RCV could eliminate the need for costly primaries, which attract few voters.

Voting machines are already equipped to tabulate ranked-choice ballots.

The idea that RCV favors Democrats is mathematically impossible. RCV favors candidates who connect with the voters by demonstrating their willingness to work for the good of the community. Candidates who are unwilling to compromise, who are all show but no substance, will not win. If a politician is against RCV, ask yourself why. A confident candidate will have no fear of it.

You'll be hearing more about Ranked Choice Voting. Visit FairVoteIL.org.

I have verified this information. I challenge future letter writers to do the same. If you're presenting "facts," it's essential to be accurate. Voting is your right and your obligation. Don't waste it.

Vicki Martin

Elk Grove Village