If democracy is at stake, a flawed redistricting effort is not the cure

| Len N. Foxwell | Baltimore Fishbowl |

If we are truly concerned with the durability of American democracy in the face of authoritarian encroachment, then why don’t we gather the governed for a discusson of ways to actually make people EXCITED about its fresh possibilities?

Why couldn’t we have a free-flowing discussion – in an actual physical location and not an infernal Zoom screen – about the possibilities of ranked choice voting? A fascinating electoral reform in which candidates are listed by voters in order of preference and votes are reallocated from also-rans to the leading candidates until one surpasses the 50 percent threshold.

Why not take it to the people?

Supporters say the model inspires issue-oriented candidates with broad appeal, campaigns that are positive and winners with a wider appeal. Opponents say the whole thing is needlessly complicated and that the voters aren’t smart enough to “get it.” Why not end the self-interested speculation among incumbents who have done just fine under the current system, and take it to the actual people for a change?

Read full article