LWV Denver Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) Resolution
Approved by LWVD Membership at 2020 Annual Meeting

 

Whereas:  The League of Women Voters of Colorado (LWVCO) and the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) have a position regarding voting methods, and this position supports authorizing and implementing alternatives to plurality voting that improve the election experience, encourage honest voting, and consider ease of implementation, and

 

Whereas:  Ranked Choice Voting discourages strategic voting and encourages honest voting, and

 

Whereas: The use of mailed ballots with an extended window for voting should be encouraged and the most recent 2020 plurality voting system used in the primary election for president disenfranchised some early mail-in voters when their candidate dropped out, and Ranked-Choice Voting would not have disenfranchised those voters, and

 

Whereas:  The current system of voting in Denver municipal elections, such as the election of mayor in 2019, resulted in an expensive run-off which could have been decided on election day if RCV had been in place, and

 

Whereas: Since participation in run-off elections is typically less than in the general election, a candidate selected using RCV will have a higher vote total than they would have had in a run-off, and

 

Whereas:  The campaign for Making Democracy Work emphasizes improving elections, and RCV would ensure the voter that they would have more choice and more voice in the outcome, and

 

Whereas:  The Office of Clerk and Recorder has confirmed that they have the necessary equipment that would ease the implementation of RCV, and

 

Therefore: May it Be Resolved That:  The 2020 Annual Meeting of the League of Women Voters of Denver reaffirm the position that supports authorizing and implementing alternatives to plurality voting and urges the Denver City Council to take the necessary steps to implement RCV for use in all municipal elections.

LWVUS Position on Voter Representation/Electoral Systems

Statement of Position on Voter Representation/Electoral Systems as adopted by concurrence by the 54th Convention in June 2020

LWVUS promotes an open governmental system that is representative, accountable, and responsive. We encourage electoral methods that provide the broadest voter representation possible and are expressive of voter choices.
Whether for single- or multiple-winner contests, the League supports electoral methods that:

• Encourage voter participation and voter engagement.
• Encourage those with minority opinions to participate, including under-represented communities.
• Are verifiable and auditable.
• Promote access to voting.
• Maximize effective votes/minimize wasted votes.
• Promote sincere voting over strategic voting.
• Implement alternatives to plurality voting.
• Are compatible with acceptable ballot-casting methods, including vote-by-mail.

The LWVUS believes in representative government. The League supports electoral systems that elect policymaking bodies — legislatures, councils, commissions, and boards — that proportionally reflect the people they represent. We support systems that inhibit political manipulation (e.g., gerrymandering).

The LWVUS supports enabling legislation to allow local jurisdictions to explore alternative electoral methods, as well as supporting state election laws allowing for more options at both the state and local levels. With the adoption of any electoral system, the League believes that education of the voting public is important and funding for startup and voter education should be available. We encourage a concerted voter education process. 

SOURCE:  Impact On Issues 2024 – 2026

LWVCO Position on Voting Methods

Adopted by LWVCO in 2017 by Concurrence with LWV Boulder County position

Support authorizing and implementing alternatives to plurality voting that allow people to express their preferences more effectively. The League supports gaining on-the-ground experience with alternative voting methods to ascertain whether a voting method results in outcomes that match voters’ preferences as recorded on their ballots. The League supports voting methods that improve the election experience, that encourage honest rather than tactical voting*, and that considers ease of implementation.

*A voting method encourages "honest" voting when it allows voters to meaningfully support all their preferred candidates, rather than leading them to either not support their favorite or "tactically" indicate a higher preference for a candidate who is not their favorite.

SOURCE: VOTING METHODS Position Statement

Advantages of Rank Choice Voting

It’s a smarter use of public dollars.

By eliminating costly run-off elections, Denver can save or reinvest up to $2 million.
RCV simplifies elections for voters.

Instead of asking voters to participate in both a general election and a separate run-off, ranked choice voting allows us to decide the winner in one single election. That means less confusion, fewer trips to the polls, and a more accessible experience — especially for first-time or occasional voters.
It strengthens civic participation in underrepresented communities.

Research from other cities shows that RCV increases participation, especially in communities that are often left out during runoffs. One election helps ensure that everyone has a voice — and that no one is sidelined by a system that asks them to vote twice.
Campaigns will focus more on people, not just money.

Because candidates must earn 2nd and 3rd-choice votes, they’re more likely to talk to a wider range of voters and less likely to rely on negative ads. This encourages more respectful, issue-focused campaigns that speak to the whole community.
Every vote matters — no spoilers, no wasted votes.

RCV lets voters rank their choices. If your first choice doesn’t win, your vote still counts toward your next choice. This means you can vote your values without having to worry about strategic voting or helping a candidate you oppose.
It supports more diverse representation.

Cities that have adopted RCV, including Oakland and Minneapolis, have seen increased success for women and candidates of color. The system reduces vote-splitting and gives all candidates a fairer chance to compete.
It’s already working in Colorado.

Cities like Boulder and Broomfield have successfully implemented RCV. Voters find it easy to use, and election officials report smooth administration. These local examples prove that RCV is both practical and effective here at home.
RCV fosters more constructive, less divisive elections.

Because candidates must appeal to a wider audience to gain second- and third-choice support, RCV promotes more civil, positive campaigning and discourages negative attack ads.
Exploring RCV puts Denver on the path to leadership in democracy innovation.

By taking this step, Denver can join a growing number of cities committed to modernizing their democratic systems in ways that improve representation, participation, and trust in local government.

 

Resources

*NEW* Script to call or email your Denver City Council member

Letter to Denver City Council from LWVD sent on April 11, 2025
Letter to Denver City Council from LWVCO sent on April 11, 2025

Press Release, 05/28/2025 - Community Coalition Backs Denver City Council Effort to Eliminate Costly Runoff Elections Through Instant-Runoff/Ranked Choice Voting
City of Fort Collins Ranked Choice Voting Explainer
CNN:  Get the scoop on ranked-choice voting