Current Issues
Implementing Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in the City of Sarasota
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RCV is a simple, common-sense change to our voting system that puts power back in the hands of voters to restore majority rule and makes politicians more accountable to us. It allows voters to rank as many candidates as they want in order of choice—first, second, third, and so on. All first choices are counted, and if a candidate has a simple majority, 50% + 1 of votes cast, then they win just like in any other election. However, if nobody has a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and those voters have their ballot instantly count for their next choice.
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RCV helps create a richer and more civil dialogue on the issues, while increasing the diversity of views available for voters to consider by freeing up candidates from outside the two major parties to compete. It has been proven to reduce negative campaigning because candidates need to appeal to a broader range of voters to earn a place in the rankings on their ballots to build a majority of support. Studies show that ranked choice voting encourages candidates to run more positive campaigns, focus on the issues, and reach out beyond their base. Notably, it opens up elections to more candidates both inside and outside the two major parties. With ranked choice voting, more than two candidates can run without fear of someone being elected without a majority (50% +1) of the vote. Even better, voters can vote for their favorite candidate—even an underdog—without fear of helping to elect their least favorite candidate.
In 2007, the City of Sarasota held a referendum on ranked choice voting (referred to as "instant runoff voting" in those days) which passed by 77% becoming the first in Florida to adopt it. However, the county, which provides voting equipment, did not own compatible voting machines and the ordinance is contingent upon their availability. In 2015 the county purchased new machines which are, coincidentally, already built compatible for ranked choice voting. However, the Florida Secretary of State's Division of Elections has yet to certify third party tabulation equipment for automatic counting of the ballots in a ranked choice voting election. The local government and the local supervisor of elections must request this process as well. If implemented, it would save the city tens of thousands of dollars by eliminating low-turnout second round runoff elections currently required to determine majority winners.
In 2007, the City of Sarasota held a referendum on ranked choice voting (referred to as "instant runoff voting" in those days) which passed by 77% becoming the first in Florida to adopt it. However, the county, which provides voting equipment, did not own compatible voting machines and the ordinance is contingent upon their availability. In 2015 the county purchased new machines which are, coincidentally, already built compatible for ranked choice voting. However, the Florida Secretary of State's Division of Elections has yet to certify third party tabulation equipment for automatic counting of the ballots in a ranked choice voting election. The local government and the local supervisor of elections must request this process as well. If implemented, it would save the city tens of thousands of dollars by eliminating low-turnout second round runoff elections currently required to determine majority winners.
Medicare for All
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City of Sarasota Ready for 100 Campaign
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We are working to get the City of Sarasota to become the second city in Florida to commit to a goal of going 100% renewable. In November 2016, the City of St. Petersburg became the first city in Florida to commit to transitioning to 100% zero emission energy sources.
For its part, the City of Sarasota, including its businesses and residents, has long been a driver of sustainability throughout the region. The City has established a 35% greenhouse gas reduction goal from a 2003 baseline for both municipal operations and the broader community, and the City’s comprehensive plan stipulates that it shall "actively pursue renewable energy installations for City facilities." |
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While these goals are laudable, bolder action is needed if we are to maintain our reputation as a first-class city committed to leadership in sustainability, expand economic opportunity, and adequately prepare to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex future.
Therefore, we are seeking signatories for our open letter from the business community and from other local organizations to the City of Sarasota Commission to express broad support for the goals of the Ready for 100 campaign in Sarasota:
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