By Nathan Lockwood
On Wednesday, May 14th, the Boston City Council voted in favor of the Ranked Choice Voting Home Rule Petition 8-4.
“Yesterday’s vote is a game-changer for Boston. Ranked choice voting is about giving our communities more power—more voice, more choice, and more accountability in our elections,” said Edwyn Shoemaker, Executive Director, Ranked Choice Boston & Voter Choice Massachusetts.
“This victory didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of organizing, coalition-building, and people believing that a more inclusive and representative democracy is possible. I could not be more proud of both the Council for taking this step and of the everyday Bostonians who stood up to make their voices heard. We’re not done yet—but today, we celebrate progress.”
The proposal, introduced by Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and co-sponsored by Councilors Julia Mejia and Henry Santana, now heads to Mayor Michelle Wu for approval before advancing to the Massachusetts Legislature. Mayor Wu’s office has indicated she will sign the bill.
When passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, Boston voters will have the opportunity to decide on RCV through a ballot referendum.
Boston Globe: Boston City Council moves to implement ranked-choice voting in municipal elections
In addition to the sponsors, the measure was supported by Councilors Enrique Pepén, Gabriela Coletta Zapata, Brian J. Worrell, Liz Breadon, and Benjamin J. Weber. Councilors Ed Flynn, Erin Murphy, John Fitzgerald, and Sharon Durkin voted in opposition.
Gabriel Coletta-Zapata, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, received universal praise from councilors on both sides for shepherding the bill through her committee in a thorough and transparent process.
Lead Sponsor, Boston Council President and Councilor At-Large, Ruthzee Louijeune
“This is a historic day for Boston,” said Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. “Today’s vote brings us closer to a more inclusive, representative, and transparent democracy—one that ensures our elected leaders have broad support and are chosen by the majority of voters. Ranked choice voting is not only simple, it’s powerful. It gives voters more voice and more choice.”
Co-sponsor, Boston City Councilor At-Large, Julia Mejia
“Ranked choice voting is a tool to disrupt the status quo, shift power to the people, and amplify the voices of communities historically excluded from decision-making processes,” said Councilor Julia Mejia. “This vote is a declaration that our democracy belongs to all of us.”
Councilor Henry Santana emphasized the broad public backing: “More than 60% of Bostonians supported RCV in 2020. This isn’t just about policy—it’s about trust, representation, and making sure our government reflects the diversity of our city.”
For the next step, Ranked Choice Boston and their democracy partners across Massachusetts will fight to get the statehouse to honor Boston’s will. Then it will go to the final step — a referendum of Boston voters — and the work to ensure that is successful.
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The Ranked Choice Boston coalition (RCB), their Executive Director Ed Shoemaker, and Co-Chair’s Cheryl Clyburn Crawford, Rahsaan Hall, and Tanisha Sullivan, did a FANTASTIC job working in the community and with the council to get to this point, which frankly, many doubted could be done.
A big take away — when we keep pushing, smart and hard, we can win. When those putting obstacles in our way see we won’t try, or will give up quickly, they’ll keep making it hard.
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rank the Vote.
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Nathan Lockwood is co-founder and Director of Advancement & Strategy at Rank the Vote.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Rank the Vote, its members, supporters, funders, or affiliates.
