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Dear John,

Like many Americans over the past few years, we have become alarmed by the divisiveness and rancor that have become infused in our political parties and thus, our elections. In 2016, the two major presidential candidates were chosen in primaries by just 14% of eligible voters. Many, if not most, voters were not happy with the choices. The same pattern seems to have happened in 2020 and 2024. 

One possible solution, first suggested to us by our son, is ranked choice voting (RCV). While RCV might not be the whole solution, it guarantees the winners of elections will have had an affirmative vote by a majority of voters, even if that person is some voters’ second or even third choice. RCV also promotes candidates who are willing and able to work for voters who do not agree with them on every single issue. The ability to compromise and solve problems is a skill our candidates need to learn. Negative campaigning becomes much less effective if candidates need to appeal to voters who are supporting other candidates.

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Once we decided that RCV was a viable reform, we looked for a way to support its adoption. That led us to FairVote, a nonpartisan organization that has supported efforts toward implementing RCV in more than 80 cities across the country. They’ve helped RCV win 31 of the last 32 city ballot measures, but much more has to be done on the statewide level, as only two states have adopted RCV for state elections. Polls show that voters like RCV once they try it, but too few voters have had that chance. 

For that reason, we chose to lend what financial support we could to FairVote. When we did, we discovered that we are neighbors to their office. That has given us a chance to meet personally with some of their staff, who have continued to impress us with their professionalism and depth of knowledge. They have a plan, and we heartily endorse what FairVote is doing. 

We hope you will join us in supporting their efforts.

Our very best,

Tom and Sarah Letnes

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