September 30, 2024
Contact: Mark Rodeffer, mark.rodeffer@sierraclub.org
The Sierra Club endorses Initiative 83 to improve DC’s local democracy with ranked choice voting, which requires that candidates earn a majority of votes to be elected. Under ranked choice voting, voters cast a ballot for their top candidate and rank other candidates. If a voter’s top candidate does not win, their vote moves to their next choice, with the process continuing until a candidate wins more than 50% of votes.
“Confronting the climate crisis and advancing environmental justice require a strong democracy and good governance. Ranked choice voting empowers voters to elect leaders who truly reflect the will of the majority, ensuring that those in office are accountable to all of their constituents, not just a select few,” said Matt Gravatt, Sierra Club DC Chapter chair. “Initiative 83 means more inclusive and representative elections, helping DC elect leaders who are committed to tackling urgent environmental challenges, promoting clean energy, and protecting our natural resources for future generations.”
Ranked choice voting has been successfully implemented in states and cities across the country, including Alaska, Maine, New York City, Arlington, and Takoma Park. These jurisdictions have seen improvements in voter participation, reduced negative campaigning, and more diverse candidates being elected.
DC’s Board of Election plans to start mailing ballots to registered voters on September 30, with mail ballot drop boxes available starting on October 11. Voters may cast their ballot at early voting centers from October 28 to November 3 between 8:30am and 7pm. The last opportunity to vote is on Election Day, November 5. DC voters can check their voter registration status on the Board of Elections website.
In DC Council races, the Sierra Club this year endorsed Christina Henderson, Robert White, Brooke Pinto, and Janeese Lewis George.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters and approximately 3,000 dues-paying members in DC. We work to promote clean energy, expand sustainable transportation, reduce waste, and safeguard our rivers and drinking water. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org/dc.