| Steve Kelley | Anoka County Union Herald |
Over the past many months, Hopkins advocates for ranked-choice voting (RCV) in our city worked to gather signatures to put that option on the ballot this fall. They gathered more than twice the necessary number of signatures, demonstrating the deep support for RCV in our city. But earlier this month, the Hopkins City Council denied the citizens’ petition to place RCV on the ballot this fall, citing implementation issues. While disappointed that voters will not have their say this year, the advocates for a better democracy did not give up. They argued for an alternative path to keep the initiative moving forward.
”Thank you to Hopkins city leaders
And the council listened. On Aug. 18, it approved the request for a resolution committing Hopkins to advocate for Minnesota’s RCV Local Option Bill. The bill would establish a clear framework for communities to implement ranked-choice voting in even-year elections and resolve the implementation barriers. The council also committed to urging the Secretary of State and Hennepin County to make the bill’s passage a top legislative priority.
Together, residents signed the petition, gathered signatures, contacted council members, attended meetings or talked with neighbors about ranked choice voting. Thank you to Hopkins city leaders for engaging with citizens and committing to help move this work forward.
Steve Kelley is a former Minnesota representative, senator and current FairVote Minnesota board member.