From this voter’s perspective, ranked-choice voting is a response to the constant rancor between the parties and should not be a partisan issue (April 8).

When both parties seem to be so entrenched in their beliefs that they must demonize the others for their views, I believe that a majority of those who voted in Maine in 2016 supported ranked-choice voting because they are looking for some relief.

Our current system of settling on a plurality of the vote has outlived its usefulness. Often referred to as “first past the post,” it limits the electorate’s ability to have rational input on elections because it advocates a winner-take-all approach. The losers are the people of Maine, and we feel powerless to effect change in a system that time and time again promotes dominance of one party over another. This dogfight must end if we are ever to expect a functioning government.

Tracy Floyd

Cape Elizabeth


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.