Waltham group seeks to grow support for ranked choice voting

A new volunteer-led group is organizing in Waltham to promote discussion of ranked choice voting in local elections.

Ranked Choice Waltham recently launched a community initiative focused on educating residents about the voting system and encouraging public dialogue about its potential use in city elections. The group describes itself as nonpartisan and says it aims to provide clear information rather than advocate for a specific outcome.

Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate wins a majority of first-choice votes, lower-performing candidates are eliminated in rounds, with their votes redistributed until one candidate reaches a majority.

“RCV gives voters more flexibility, encourages broader participation, and can produce outcomes that better reflect the will of the community,” said Hannah LaFranzo, RCW’s communications director.

Supporters of the system point to local results from the 2020 statewide ballot question on ranked choice voting, which passed in 11 of Waltham’s 18 precincts and received majority support from city voters, though it failed statewide.

RCW plans to host a series of informational events in the coming months, including a pizza night and screening of the documentary “The Choice” on April 28, according to the organization’s website.

RCW organizers said they have also prepared a draft home rule petition that could be submitted to the City Council and mayor if there is sufficient public understanding and community support. A home rule petition is a form of legislation municipalities use to seek state approval for local policy changes.

Residents can learn more or get involved at walthamrcv.org or by emailing info@walthamrcv.org.

DISCLOSURE: Hannah LaFranzo is a volunteer for The Waltham Times. She edits and posts obituaries and weather forecasts and assists with community outreach.