Bill > H835

This bill amends the home rule charter of Easthampton to implement ranked choice voting (RCV) for city elections. The bill provides a detailed definition of ranked choice voting, explaining that voters can rank candidates in order of preference on their ballot, with a complex tabulation process for determining election winners. Under this new system, voters can rank multiple candidates (first choice, second choice, etc.), and the vote counting process involves multiple rounds where candidates are elected or eliminated based on their vote totals and a calculated "winning threshold". The bill requires that all city elected offices use ranked choice voting, except when only one qualified candidate exists (in which case traditional plurality voting would be used). An ad hoc committee consisting of city officials and registered voters will be appointed to revise the existing ranked choice voting ordinance. The proposed changes will be placed on the ballot for voter approval at the next city election, and if approved, will take effect immediately, though not for any election occurring within 45 days of the ballot approval. This represents a significant change in how Easthampton will conduct its local elections, offering voters more nuanced electoral choices.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H835