Election Reform Turns Down the Temperature of Our Politics
The time for such reforms is now—because the opportunity for peaceful democratic change may not endure for long.
This is a beautiful and compelling story about what the People can do. Against all odds, the people in Maine force the politicians to listen. If only “as Maine goes, so goes the Nation”! —Lawrence Lessig
From Maine to New Mexico, citizens across America are clamoring for free and fair elections through Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). Our story unfolds as voters organizing to enact the reform face fierce pushback from establishment politicians. The film looks at the historical rise, fall, and rebirth of RCV in the United States and abroad, and embed viewers in the front line of the battle raging over voters’ rights.
Through a ballot measure in November 2016, the citizens of Maine voted to become the first state in the nation to use Ranked Choice Voting statewide for federal and state elections. One year later, the legislature and governor moved to kill the bill, claiming it was unconstitutional. However, the people have final say through a process called the People’s Veto. Now they have 90 days to collect over sixty thousand signatures in the depth of the Maine winter. Will they succeed?
Enlivened with colorful hand-drawn animation, The Battle for Ranked Choice Voting follows Maine’s story, drops in on cities like Memphis, Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Santa Fe that have adopted Ranked Choice Voting, and takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of non-plurality systems dominant throughout the world. Follow this citizen uprising to restore our failing democracy!
 
																	Shondra was main editor of Errol Morris' Fast, Cheap & Out of Control, and films by filmmakers Jocelyn Glatzer and Tom Curran.
The time for such reforms is now—because the opportunity for peaceful democratic change may not endure for long.
Eighteen U.S. cities and counties have used or are using ranked choice voting (RCV) in 2025 -- including the largest cities in three states.
Fort Collins voters will use ranked voting for mayor and City Council.
Join October's General Membership Meeting for a workshop on RCV.
Ranked choice voting would make things better.
The presentation attributed today's system to negative campaigns, limited choices and "wasted" ballots.
RCV would ensure the winner reflects the majority will of the people.
Introducing reforms such as open primaries and ranked choice voting can incentivize candidates to appeal to a broader spectrum, helping to restore healthy competition.
Make every vote count.
Veterans for All Voters is a group campaigning nationwide for non-partisan reforms that can rescue U.S. democracy.
Ranked Choice Voting grants voters that flexibility to use their vote to its most efficient ability.
Today’s youth are forming political opinions and social identities on online platforms built for engagement.