To the editor: The GazetteLeader covered recent comments by Audrey Clement, a candidate for Arlington’s County Board. In an e-mail sent to her supporters, Clement criticized Arlington’s use of ranked-choice voting.
Clement cited lower voter turnout in the 2024 Democratic primary compared to the 2021 primary. This comparison is misleading – the 2021 Democratic primary ballot included many races, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and legislative races in addition to the County Board race. It is not surprising that a multi-race primary election garnered more voter interest and participation.
Clement also criticized the fact that County Board candidate J.D. Spain Sr. garnered only a “modest” 32 percent of the first-round votes. In a traditional winner-take-all election, he would have been declared the winner. With ranked choice, Spain earned the support of more than 50 percent of the voters in the fourth round, which represents “deep and broad” support from the voters.
Ranked-choice voting has been successfully used twice in Arlington elections. According to exit polls in June, voters said that it was easy to use (88%) and that they would like to use it in the future (67%).
Data indicate what many nonpartisan observers have known for years: RCV benefits the interests of voters of all stripes. Arlington voters deserve a more complete picture from the GazetteLeader.
Chris DeRosa, Janice Morris
DeRosa and Morris are ranked-choice-voting co-leads of the League of Women Voters of Arlington & Alexandria City.
