Ranked Choice Voting

Mr. Bindel asked council to establish a process for revisiting RCV in the future, partner with other communities, and examine legal mechanics regarding severability clauses.

Speaking for Rank the Vote Ohio, Ms. Jackson supported pausing RCV for now and suggested holding educational forums after November while noting ongoing legal challenges against state anti-RCV laws.

Michelle Jackson of Ranked to Vote Ohio discussed national cost examples for RCV implementation and federal software certification timelines.

Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Director Anthony Perlatti explained that county equipment cannot currently run RCV elections without software upgrades and noted potential cost increases and ballot complexity.

Resident Chris Bindel argued that primary election savings would offset RCV implementation costs and urged council not to let complexity prevent progress.

Charter Review Commission member Dean Jackson stated that the commission recommended RCV to work around state legislative attacks and urged council to keep options open.

Discussed the challenges of presenting ranked choice voting to voters under SB 63 and urged council to weigh options carefully to preserve democracy.

Expressed appreciation for council's transparency and thoughtfulness regarding ranked choice voting deliberations.

Noted that the Ohio League of Women Voters endorsed ranked choice voting and that the local chapter plans to prioritize educational outreach.

Discussed Ranked Choice Voting, urging thoughtful consideration and caution to avoid any negative impacts on the city.

Acknowledged the changing legal environment around ranked choice voting and requested that the Law Department's legal analysis be made public to foster an informed community debate.

Spoke on behalf of Rank the Vote Ohio, urging the city not to acquiesce in advance to state restrictions and to prioritize community values over fear of litigation.

Reminded council about the Charter Review Committee's recommendation for ranked choice voting and asked them to put it on the ballot before the August deadline.