A town hall event on Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) — a reform that could change the way voters across the nation participate in elections — is set for 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.18, in the Meabon Room of the Howell Carnegie District Library, 314 W. Grand River Ave. in downtown Howell. The event aims to provide area residents with a clear understanding of how Ranked Choice Voting works, its potential benefits for Michigan’s elections, and how it could improve the overall voting experience.
Ranked Choice Voting is a voting method where voters rank candidates in order of preference, rather than selecting just one. If no candidate achieves a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and votes are redistributed based on the next preference. This process continues until a candidate has a majority. Proponents of RCV argue that it can reduce negative campaigning, ensure more representative outcomes, and encourage a wider range of candidates to run for office.
Key Details of the Event:
- Date: Wednesday December 18th
- Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
- Location: Howell Carnegie District Library, Meabon Room (enter from back of library)
- Admission: Free (registration encouraged; RSVP here)
At the event, participants will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the problems with our current voting system
- Hear about an ambitious plan for a solution: ranked choice voting
- How ranked choice voting eliminates current election issues like “spoilers” and “lesser of two evils”
- Ask questions and voice opinions about how RCV could impact Michigan’s elections
“This is an opportunity for Howell residents to learn more about an important electoral reform and how it can empower voters and improve democracy,” said Paul Giessner, a Howell-based volunteer with Rank MI Vote. “We encourage everyone to attend, whether they are already familiar with RCV or are just curious to learn more.”
Attendees will also learn how RCV has been implemented in other parts of the country, its potential advantages for Michigan, and what the process to bring it to Michigan looks like.
For more information, email info@rankmivote.org, or connect with Rank MI Vote on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/RankMIVote
https://www.instagram.com/rankmivote/
https://x.com/rankmivote
About Rank MI Vote:
Rank MI Vote is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of volunteers working to promote the use of Ranked Choice Voting in Michigan.
