An anti-RCV group is seeking to repeal Ranked Choice Voting in Bloomington less than one year after it was first used and used so successfully. While the city is reviewing the legality of the repeal petition, it certified the signatures on the petition earlier this week and will determine whether the repeal measure should be added to the ballot as early as August 8. In addition to repealing RCV, the petition proposes a two-thirds vote to approve the system for a future election – an anti-democratic measure contrary to state law.
This group is moving forward despite the huge success of the first RCV elections in Bloomington:
77% of Bloomington voters found RCV simple to use;
61% like and want to continue using RCV (10 points higher than when the RCV ballot measure passed);
70% ranked their ballots;
87% were satisfied with the candidate choices; and
The city saved Bloomington taxpayers more than $80,000 in 2021. Future savings are likely to be higher.
As you know, RCV is a more democratic way of voting. It ensures that city leaders are supported by a majority of voters and gives more choice and more power to voters. This effort is nothing more than an extreme minority trying to claw back power – demonstrated by their proposal to require a two-thirds vote for the approval of RCV in the future.