San Jose may rethink voting method for special elections

San Jose is taking another look at ranked choice voting after the City Council rejected a proposal to adopt the idea in city elections four years ago.

Amid concerns over the spiraling costs from special elections, councilmembers are considering a charter amendment that would give the city the option to use ranked choice voting in special elections held to fill sudden council vacancies. The Rules and Open Government Committee advanced the proposal Wednesday. It is expected to go before the full council for review June 23, and if approved could land on the November ballot.

Ranked choice voting supporters argue the method could shave off millions of dollars from the costs of special elections by eliminating runoffs. It’s an argument that has gained added currency following last year’s packed election schedule, when some local voters were called out to the polls for as many as five special elections.

That includes the District 3 special election to replace former Councilmember Omar Torres, who vacated the seat amid a child abuse scandal. Between the race’s April primary and June runoff, the election is estimated to have cost the city $3.4 million.




https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-may-rethink-voting-method-for-special-elections/