I had the pleasure of campaigning on Primary Day at Roxborough High School for my PA Attorney General pick, Keir Bradford-Grey. Ward 21's choice was Joe Khan. But none of us got our choice, even though the winner won ONLY 35% of the vote. Situations like these have a simple solution: ranked choice voting (RCV).

RCV allows voters the option to rank candidates by preference. Basically, if no candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes for each round is eliminated until a winner is reached. RCV, among other things, allows voters to have more of a voice. RCV is not new. It's been in the works since the 1300s (!) and in use since 1855. In 2016, Maine was so sick of the four governors elected without a majority that they implemented ranked-choice voting. It's one great answer to an election with three or more candidates.

With Philadelphia's turnout at only 19.2%, it's way past time to do something to help boost turnout. RCV may help boost turnout, especially in higher poverty areas. We can do more ads and door knocking for eligible voters that choose not to vote. RCV rewards voters who do show up. The anti-Ranked Choice Voting lobby is supported by anti-democratic forces that get paid to produce disinformation and push to suppress voters like us. Let's work on growing democracy by learning more about ranked choice voting. In fact, there will be a Rank The Beers Chestnut Hill event on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant. You will see how easy ranked choice voting is!

Jayson Massey

Nicetown