Utahns in nine cities have been given the gift of time and reduced taxpayer costs, and that is reason to celebrate. Voters of Genola, Heber, Midvale, Millcreek, Payson, Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake, Woodland Hills and Vineyard were spared the added time and costs of running an entire Primary election because they chose to use Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in the November 21 general election.
RCV is a non-partisan voting method that allows voters to vote for the candidates they most support rather than strategize about who is most likely to win. It encourages candidates to focus on issues and not personal attacks, and ultimately saves taxpayer time and money by holding one election instead of two.
URCV Executive Director Kelleen Potter says people can celebrate any way they choose, but hopes they take advantage of what she calls “No Primary Day.
“We all live such busy lives that even if ‘No Primary Day’ means instead of voting we had a little time for a walk or a call to a loved one, it’s reason to celebrate. It is encouraging to see cities realize that it doesn’t make sense to spend the time and money to hold an entire election when RCV is available. Voters can determine which candidates they support and rank them in the general election. My hope is that other cities will see the benefits and more will celebrate ‘No Primary Day’ in the future.”
RCV allows voters to rank candidates from their favorite to least favorite, increasing the likelihood of a winning candidate more aligned with their preferences. Instead of strategizing about picking one, voters can rank as many candidates as they would like.
Already used in 15 states, RCV has been used successfully in a multitude of elections nationwide since 2018 with both Republican and Democrat winners.
“The majority of voters in Utah who have used RCV liked it and we believe that as more cities try RCV and experience all of its benefits, they will also decide that it is time for a better way, and RCV is that way,” said Potter.
For more on RCV benefits, go here.
