Top Reasons to Repeal Ranked Choice Voting in Bloomington

Ballot Exhaustion and Disenfranchisement

A significant number of ballots are being discarded under RCV in Bloomington. In 2021, 1,629 ballots were exhausted, and this number increased dramatically to 5,934 in 2023 (National Article on Bloomington's Repeal). This means thousands of voters effectively had their voices silenced in the final election results. (Bloomington's Past RCV Election Results ) While you can vote any way you want, even for just one candidate,  you will run the risk of your vote being exhausted.

Complexity and Voter Confusion

RCV introduces unnecessary complexity to the voting process, which can lead to voter confusion and mistakes. The traditional "one person, one vote" system is simpler and more straightforward for voters to understand and participate in.  Even the election judges are hearing the complaints but are only allowed to tell voters to reread the directions again. 

Further,  the city removed 2 pages of simple voting instructions and replaced them with 7-8 pages of complex instructions on ranked choice voting,  including new terms further complicating understanding of the entire process.  (Existing City Code on Ranked Choice Voting).

No Significant Improvements in Voter Turnout

Despite claims that RCV would increase voter engagement, there has not been a notable improvement in voter turnout for off-year elections in Bloomington. The promised benefits of increased participation have not materialized. (Total Voter Turnout by Year) 36% in an off year is not stellar and may increase due to controversial ballot questions on the same ballot.

Still a Limited Candidate Choice

Contrary to expectations, RCV has not led to a proliferation of third-party candidates or increased choice for voters. In the 2023 election, incumbents won 5 out of 7 races, with only two candidates to choose from in the majority of cases. Partisanship was on full display.   (Bloomington Candidates)

Costly Implementation

The implementation of RCV has not resulted in the promised cost savings. Hand counting ballots and ongoing voter education efforts continue to incur expenses for the city.  (https://www.rfabbmn.org/rcv.html).  What price tag do you put on your vote when the city spends millions of dollars on wants and not needs?  Move elections to even years to save money and increase turnout. 

Outside Influence

There are concerns about outside money and influence affecting Bloomington's voting system. Groups like FairVote Minnesota, supported by national organizations, have been pushing for RCV implementation and retention and funding the local opposition.  In both 2021 and now in 2023, according to Campaign Finance reports, FairVoteMN has majorly funded the local RC V effort against grassroots, resident based disagreement.   Why is an outside group so heavily invested in Bloomington elections? (https://ivn.us/posts/bloomington-activists-fight-effort-repeal-new-ranked-choice-voting-system-2024-09-30).  https://cfb.mn.gov/reports-and...)

Preservation of Electoral integrity

Returning to a traditional voting system would ensure that every vote counts equally and is not subject to complex redistribution algorithms. This aligns with the fundamental democratic principle of "one person, one vote"  (https://www.rfabbmn.org/rcv.html)