Official Press Releases from Ocean State RCV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Michael J. Garman
August 28, 2023 (401) 644-4108
CARLSON WITHDRAWAL HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR RANKED CHOICE VOTING
WARWICK, RI - Ocean State Ranked Choice Voting, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advocating for stronger representation and voter choice in Rhode Island, released the following statement in light of Mr. Donald R. Carlson’s withdrawal from the Congressional District 1 special election:
“Mr. Carlson’s departure from the race after the start of the early voting period highlights the need for Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in Rhode Island. As of Mr. Carlson’s announcement of his withdrawal, 4,928 voters had already cast their ballots. Anyone who voted for him will be furious to learn that their vote is going to waste. To prevent a repeat of this situation in the future, we must implement RCV, in order to ensure that supporters of withdrawn candidates still have a fair say by having their second choices count. No voter should be punished because their favorite candidate dropped out.
“The CD-1 race, while certainly the most salient example of this problem right now, is far from the only one. In 2020, over three million votes were wasted across the country on candidates who withdrew from the Democratic presidential primary between the time when voters cast their ballots and their states’ primary days, representing over 8% of the total votes cast. Nearly 6% of the votes were wasted in a similar fashion in the 2016 Republican presidential nominating contest.
“The solution is not, as some have suggested, to reduce or eliminate access to early voting or voting by mail. Both methods of voting are subject to the same rigorous verification processes as voting on Election Day. They expand access to the ballot, increase voter turnout and strengthen our democracy without compromising the security of our elections.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Michael J. Garman
August 21, 2023 (401) 644-4108
RHODE ISLAND RANKED CHOICE VOTING MOVEMENT KICKS OFF; FIVE CD-1 CANDIDATES SHOW SUPPORT
WARWICK, RI - Ocean State Ranked Choice Voting, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advocating for stronger representation and voter choice in Rhode Island, held its official launch tonight. The highlight of the event was the keynote panel, in which five CD-1 candidates shared their support for Ranked Choice Voting (RCV).
Councilman John Goncalves: “If there are any doubters about [RCV] — it works. It really works.”
Senator Ana Quezada: “If they can do it in Alaska and they can do it in New York City, I think we can implement it here. It’s a great idea.”
Senator Sandra Cano: “We need unity first…[and] ranked choice voting allows that to happen.”
Ms. Stephanie Beauté: “I hope the legislators in the [State] Senate and House will pass this.”
Mr. Gabriel Amo: “Ranked Choice Voting is used in places like Maine, and I’m supportive of trying it out right here.”
Ocean State RCV contacted all 14 candidates who will appear on the CD-1 primary ballots (12 Democrats and two Republicans) to inquire about their positions on Ranked Choice Voting. Each of the six who expressed support were invited to attend.
Following the candidate panel, Ocean State RCV’s volunteer leadership team shared their vision for an inclusive, diverse grassroots movement reflective of the full range of Rhode Islanders’ identities, experiences, and political beliefs.
More information about Ranked Choice Voting and Ocean State RCV is available at oceanstatercv.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2023
MEDIA ADVISORY
WARWICK, RI - The official launch of Ocean State Ranked Choice Voting, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advocating for stronger representation and voter choice in Rhode Island, will be held tonight at 6 PM at the Warwick Public Library.
WHO: Mr. Gabriel Amo
Ms. Stephanie Beauté
Senator Sandra Cano
Councilman John Goncalves
Senator Ana Quezada
WHEN: August 21, 2023, 6:00pm.
WHERE: Large Meeting Room, Warwick Public Library.
Following remarks from the candidates, Ocean State RCV leadership will present about our strategy for winning electoral reform in Rhode Island and opportunities for interested parties to become involved in our movement.