Tag: Virginia

VA

  • Fairfax leaders urged to consider ranked-choice voting for upcoming supervisor races

    | Scott McCaffrey | FFXnow |

    A local youth recently reminded Fairfax County supervisors they still have time to turn their elections next year into ranked-choice voting events.

    “It is a very realistic goal,” said John Tashkhanov, speaking at the monthly public comment session at the tail end of the Sept. 29 Board of Supervisors meeting.

    “An opportunity to act”

    Tashkhanov lives in Annandale and is a student at BASIS Independent McLean. He also serves as Virginia policy director for Beyond Partisan, a student-run advocacy group.

    Since 2020, localities across Virginia have been delegated powers by the General Assembly to use the ranked-choice method for elections of their governing bodies, including boards of supervisors and city and town councils. To date, only Arlington (general elections and primaries) and Charlottesville (primaries) have taken the plunge.

    “Fairfax has an opportunity to act,” Tashkhanov said.

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  • America’s Democracy Is Cracking. The Revolution to Rebuild It Has Already Begun.

    | Rob Richie | IVN |

    Americans’ celebration of 250 years of independence invites reflection on the Declaration of Independence and its values of equality, liberty, and democratic renewal. Those values are a beacon to guide where our nation must go to live up to its promise.

    “Fairer outcomes for voters”

    Ranked choice voting (RCV) has moved from an exciting idea to deciding presidential elections in Alaska, Maine and Washington, D.C. and electing governors, Members of Congress, and leaders of major cities. RCV clearly provides fairer outcomes for voters, who in exit surveys show consistent support. Allowing voters to rank candidates in order of choice upholding majority rule by eliminating the “spoiler” effect, and enabling meaningful consideration of independents and minor parties.

    Expect at least three cities to add to the streak of more than 30 straight wins for RCV on city ballots, and ongoing proof of concept in practice. With voters under 50 overwhelmingly in support of RCV, we could see Congress act to remove administrative barriers to RCV in 2029, unlocking progress toward general reimagining voting as ranking.

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