Title
Approval of a Resolution Supporting Ranked-Choice Voting
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution supporting ranked-choice voting.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the resolution supporting ranked-choice voting.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, Executive Department, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
None - Consent calendar item
Background and Analysis:
Under the current “top two” primary voter system in Washington State, local jurisdictions are prohibited from adopting ranked-choice voting. The Local Options Bill being considered at the State would give jurisdictions authority to adopt ranked-choice voting in local elections.
Ranked-choice voting is an alternative to our “Top Two” primary system, whereby voters can rank the candidates running in the order of that voters’ preference (e.g. 1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice), instead of choosing just one candidate in a given race. Potential benefits include increased voter turnout, improved civility, less strategic voting, and increased diversity of political viewpoints.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Fair and representative elections are an important aspect of public policy.
Options:
1. Approve the resolution supporting ranked-choice voting
2. Direct staff to amend the resolution based on feedback provided by Council and return for further consideration.
3. Do not approve the resolution.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
Resolution