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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 17, 2023 05:52 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christopher M. Rabb and Rep. Jared G. Solomon, Rep. Arvind Venkat |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Allowing for Ranked Choice Voting for Primaries, General and Special Municipal Elections |
| Political polarization is at an all-time high and Pennsylvanians are losing trust in our democratic process. To help restore that trust I am introducing Legislation to allow for ranked choice voting (RCV) in Pennsylvania. A candidate winning with less than 50% popular vote does not truly reflect the will of the people. This has disenfranchised the electorate and created further divisions in our society. It has fostered an environment that creates extremes in parties, creates gridlock, and prevents cooperation and collaboration in the most basic functions of government. Issues that should not be perceived as political are now the divisive headlines in every media outlet. Our current method of plurality voting no longer serves the people. RCV is the first best step in restoring trust in our elections. It ensures that the winner of any election has earned over 50% of the vote. It encourages candidates to seek the support of the majority of their constituents rather than a polarized base. The less divisive and negative a candidate is, the more likely they will have earned the majority support of the electorate. This legislation would allow for municipalities to implement RCV in municipal elections. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to improve civic engagement, increase voter turnout, and restore trust in Pennsylvania’s elections. |
Introduced as HB1178