| Lakeland PBS |

The Bemidji City Council has voted in support of ranked choice voting for local elections.

The vote at Monday night’s meeting comes just days after the Bemidji Charter Commission also voiced their support in favor of the practice. The resolution passed in a 4-2 vote, with Mayor Jorge Prince and Ward 2 Councilor Josh Peterson in opposition.

City council would need to unanimously approve

If approved at the state level, where a bill is currently going through committees, the city council would need to unanimously approve the use of ranked choice voting for implementation. If it is not approved, a vote to adjust the city charter as needed would be put before the citizens as a ballot question.

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