Change can draw criticism and bring challenges – and the move to RCV elections is no different. But while some have been opposed to the use of Ranked Choice Voting in Santa Fe, voters have overwhelmingly been in favor of the move.

Santa Fe’s 2018 election drew 38 percent of registered voters, the highest turnout in several mayoral cycles. Moreover, exit polling showed that 94 percent of those voters were satisfied with the RCV voting process. 

Ranked Choice Voting has been shown to boost voter turnout because the ranking system provides more opportunity for voters to express their preferences and make their voices heard. Public education is key to ensuring voters who are new to the RCV process have a good understanding of the system and can accurately complete their ballots. 

Read more in an editorial by The New Mexican here.