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Commission to consider controversial ranked choice voting resolution

Nicole Jordan

Supporters of ranked choice voting laud it as improving the democratic process. Opponents say it causes voter confusion. Currently, Georgia municipalities are not allowed to use it. However, the mayor and commission of Athens-Clarke County will return to a resolution on ranked choice voting Tuesday night, an effort which, if it passes, will bring the issue before the state legislature.

On Tuesday night, the mayor and commission will return to a topic that neatly divided the body earlier this month at a regular meeting—a resolution on ranked choice voting, or RCV.

The resolution calls for the state government to allow municipalities to use ranked choice voting. Under RCV, voters are allowed to rank candidates in order of preference. The resolution states that this will cut down on costs associated with low-turnout runoff elections.

Jesse Houle, commissioner for District 6, clarified during a meeting in early December that the resolution does not bind Athens-Clarke County to using RCV.

“This resolution does not commit us to doing rank choice voting. It just commits us to asking the state legislature to allow us for the option.”

Commissioner Thornton, who represents the 5th District, was the most vocal opponent to the resolution at the meeting. Although a supporter of RCV, she led the charge to table the resolution until Tuesday evening.

“It is a very awesome for all the benefits it provides. I cannot deny that this is a good option. I think we need to do a little bit more research.”

Mayor Kelly Girtz ultimately broke a tie in favor of tabling the resolution that will come back before the commission Tuesday night.