We need ranked choice voting in Idaho

Do we want to send our District 1 U.S. representative to Washington — with only 18% of the vote? Under the present system, that is possible in this Nov. 5 Russ Fulcher (incumbent) race — four candidates on the ballot plus two certified write-ins, totaling six.

It is possible for six candidates to have individual totals of 18%-17.5%-17%-16.5%-16%-15%--so the winning candidate is supported by only 18% of the voters. Wouldn't it be better for a winning candidate to have a broad coalition of voters behind him, to whom he is accountable? RCV is better named “Instant, computer-tabulated run-offs until one candidate has 50%”--and is only used in General Elections. You mark your 1st choice for each office. Suppose your first choice is knocked out in the initial vote count; you are not required to make a second choice — your ballot is not thrown out, you just give up your voice in subsequent run-offs — if you list first choice only.

If you listed a 2nd choice, the computer “looks” at your ballot and in effect says, “Sally's first choice (for Bob)-- counted on the first tally—but Bob got the least votes, so he's out of the next run-off. If Sally listed a 2nd choice, that becomes her first choice in the next instant run-off.” It is always one person, one vote for each run-off.

Vote yes on Proposition 1 to get fair elections with Open Primaries/Ranked Choice Voting!

ORRIN EVERHART

Bonners Ferry