FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2024
Ocean State Ranked Choice Voting Kicks Off 2024 Campaign With Celebration
The nonpartisan organization will host a launch party on January 20 at The Guild in Pawtucket
PAWTUCKET- Ocean State Ranked Choice Voting (OSRCV) is kicking off the 2024 legislative session with a celebration this Saturday, January 20 from 3pm to 5pm at The Guild (461 Main Street) in Pawtucket. The event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend to learn more about the campaign and connect with local supporters.
Ranked choice voting (RCV) has become the fastest-growing nonpartisan election reform in the country. In 2023, RCV expanded to 50 jurisdictions. Approximately 13 million voting-age citizens live in U.S. jurisdictions that use RCV or plan to in upcoming elections, a more than ten-fold increase since 2004. Some 600 RCV elections have been held with more than 20 million ranked choice ballots cast.
With RCV, voters have the option to rank candidates in order of preference: first, second, third and so forth. Ballots that do not help voters’ top choices win count for their next choice. It works in all types of elections and supports more representative outcomes. More than 30 current state legislators have backed legislation in past years that would establish a form of RCV in Rhode Island.
“In 2024, we’re looking forward to continued collaboration with the community and lawmakers, along with new legislation that would pave the way for Ranked Choice Voting in Rhode Island in the future,” said Michael Garman, Executive Director of OSRCV. “Election integrity is stronger when more voters have confidence their votes will count. Right now, it’s critical that we restore faith in our democracy.”
Also on January 20, OSRCV is taking part in a national Zoom call in coordination with RCV organizers from around the country. Click here for more information and to register. Saturday’s celebrations are part of a trio of events coinciding with National Ranked Choice Voting Day on January 23 (1-2-3). Click here for a list of the planned activities.
About Ocean State Ranked Choice Voting
Founded in 2023, OSRCV is a nonpartisan group of Rhode Islanders from across the political spectrum working together to bring Ranked Choice Voting to Rhode Island. OSRCV advocates for voter choice and representation for all beliefs and identities through better elections. Learn more about OSRCV and how it works, here.
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Media Contact (for Ocean State RCV)
Mike Raia, Half Street Group
[email protected] | 401.340.9425