Ohioans believe in fair elections, real competition, and the fundamental right of voters to decide how they elect their leaders. Yet, for the second time in two years, politicians in Columbus are trying to strip away an electoral reform that enhances voter choice and strengthens democracy. Senate Bill 63 introduced by State Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R., Bowling Green) is an attempt to ban Ranked Choice Voting, or RCV, a system that ensures majority support, eliminates vote-splitting, and gives voters more voice in elections.
Ohioans already testified against this bill last year, yet its backers are reviving it, ignoring the will of the people in favor of political maneuvering. Adding insult to injury, this renewed push coincides with procedural rule changes in the House designed to stifle public participation, effectively shutting Ohioans out of decisions that impact their voting rights. This is legislative cowardice, suppressing debate because they know the people of Ohio do not support these attacks on democracy.
RCV is not a partisan issue. It’s a common-sense election reform that has been successfully implemented in cities and states across the country, from deep-blue Maine to bright-red Utah. It allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, ensuring that the winner has broad support rather than just a narrow plurality. It reduces negative campaigning, encourages more diverse candidates to run, and eliminates costly, low-turnout runoff elections.
Opponents of RCV argue, without evidence, that it is confusing or unfair or ahistorical. The reality is that special interests and politicians who benefit from the status quo are the ones truly threatened by a system that empowers voters.
Ohioans should not stand for this. After more than 60 Ohioans submitted testimony against SB137, it was stalled in committee last year. Ohioans deserve a fair chance to testify against SB63 before it’s rushed through. It’s time to tell our legislators that we will not allow them to silence us, restrict our choices, or rig the rules to consolidate power.
Ranked choice voting is a first step in accomplishing other reforms, including automatic and same day registration, unrestricted early and absentee voting, independent redistricting, campaign finance, proportional representation, and election day as a federal holiday.
These are stretch goals in a state like Ohio with how entrenched the anti-reform politicians are but the key thing is these are not partisan goals. They are intended to increase public participation, as well as foster trust in the strength and honest representation of elected officials’ platforms and ideals. Other states have successfully implemented several of these ideas already. Ohio itself had RCV elections in several counties and cities, including Toledo.
It’s common sense reform.
Call your state senator. Demand public hearings with real participation. Get involved with pro-democracy organizations fighting to protect our elections. We stopped this bill once, and we will stop it again. Ohio’s elections belong to the people, not politicians afraid of competition.
Nicholas Burmeister, of Toledo, is leading the Rank the Vote Ohio’s Northwest Chapter.
First Published February 10, 2025, 5:00 a.m.
