| Cara Brown McCormick | Independent Voter News |
BOSTON, MASS. — On May 14, the Boston City Council voted 8–4 in favor of a Home Rule Petition allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference, a shift that could change how Bostonians elect their leaders.
If ultimately approved by state lawmakers and voters, the measure would implement ranked choice voting (RCV) in municipal elections. Under the proposal, voters could rank up to four candidates, including write-ins, for each race.
An exciting day for democracy
“This method ensures that the winning candidates have broad support and reflects a more representative electoral outcome,” Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata (East Boston, Charlestown, North End) explained in her Committee Chair Report on the proposal.
Supporters of the measure emphasized increased voter choice and representation. “It’s an exciting day for democracy,” said Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, who introduced the measure.