News Summary
Cleveland Heights and Lakewood have delayed the implementation of ranked-choice voting for upcoming elections due to legislative challenges and a need for community deliberation. Both city councils, which initially supported the reform, are reconsidering their positions amid ongoing discussions regarding its impact on voter empowerment and election costs. Advocates emphasize the need for voter education as the Ohio legislature contemplates a bill that could ban ranked-choice voting altogether.
Cleveland Heights and Lakewood have both postponed the implementation of ranked-choice voting (RCV) for their upcoming elections due to ongoing legislative challenges and community deliberation. The decision by the Cleveland Heights City Council not to place RCV on the ballot mirrors a similar choice made by the Lakewood City Council a month earlier.
Both councils had shown interest in adopting ranked-choice voting following recommendations from their charter review commissions, which aimed to reform the electoral process. The delay is viewed by some proponents as an opportunity for additional voter education and outreach concerning this voting method, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference.
In recent legislative developments, Ohio state lawmakers are considering measures that could potentially ban ranked-choice voting altogether. A bill that has already passed through the Ohio State Senate is currently being reviewed in the House. This proposed legislation could also eliminate financial support for municipalities that implement RCV, heightening concerns among cities exploring this voting method. There remains uncertainty regarding the applicability of this bill to cities with their own charters.
Advocates for ranked-choice voting highlight its potential to empower voters and diminish issues like split votes in crowded elections. Proponents emphasize that it can promote a more inclusive electoral environment in both Cleveland Heights and Lakewood by offering broader candidate appeal. Historically, ranked-choice voting was utilized in certain Ohio cities, including Ashtabula and Cincinnati, during the early 20th century. Currently, states like Alaska, Illinois, and Maine, along with sizable cities such as New York City and Minneapolis, are employing RCV.
Community efforts in Lakewood to demonstrate how ranked-choice voting functions include public polls that simulate the RCV process. In one example, participants voted on methods to beat the heat, with ice cream emerging as the preferred option after rounds of counting. This initiative is part of a larger movement led by Rank The Vote Ohio to educate local residents on RCV.
In Cleveland Heights, city council members are still mulling over the possible structure of the ballot if RCV is eventually proposed, with a focus on ensuring public understanding of the process. Council member Jim Posch, who previously opposed ranked-choice voting, has since changed his stance in favor of the mechanism, reflecting a broader shift in the council’s perspective on electoral reforms.
The timeline for potential implementation in either city may be extended until at least 2027 due to existing election cycles and the complexity surrounding charter amendments. London City Council President Kepple and other council members support RCV, arguing it could reduce costs associated with primary elections and widen the appeal for candidates.
A recent vote in the Ohio Senate to ban ranked-choice voting has garnered bipartisan support, although notable opposition has emerged from Democrats who represent urban areas. Critics of RCV argue that it could confuse voters and hinder turnout, creating a polarized debate over its viability.
Movements such as Rank The Vote Ohio are mobilizing against the Senate bill aimed at banning ranked-choice voting, firmly advocating that local governments should retain authority over their election processes. The ongoing discussions regarding potential charter amendments have ignited concerns among residents about the legitimacy of the process and the timeline for public input.
Residents of Cleveland Heights are notably divided on the issue, with opinions varying on whether to expedite charter amendments to be included in the November elections or to extend the timeline for a more thorough understanding among the electorate. As these communities grapple with decisions related to their voting systems, the future of ranked-choice voting remains uncertain but continues to be a topic of active discussion and engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com: Ranked-Choice Voting in Northeast Ohio
- Wikipedia: Ranked Choice Voting
- Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio Senate Advances Ranked-Choice Voting Ban
- Google Search: Ranked Choice Voting
- Beacon Journal: Ohio Should Support Home Rule
- Google Scholar: Ranked Choice Voting
- Dispatch: Ohio Cities Mulling Ranked-Choice Voting Could Lose State Money
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ranked Choice Voting
- Cleveland.com: Cleveland Heights Council Eyes Charter Amendments
- Google News: Ranked Choice Voting Ohio
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
