Exciting Town Halls Coming to Oakland County: Learn About Ranked Choice Voting!
If you live in Farmington, Ferndale, or Royal Oak, you’re in for a treat! This December, a series of informational town halls are being hosted right in your backyard, aimed at engaging voters in the increasingly relevant topic of ranked choice voting. With a mission to empower our voices and break the cycle of political division, these events promise to be a great way to learn what’s happening in our democracy.
What’s All the Buzz About Ranked Choice Voting?
Ranked choice voting is gaining attention across the state, and for good reason. Imagine a voting system that allows you to rank candidates in order of your preference, rather than just picking one. This method can help bridge the gap between our divided political parties and allow voters from all walks of life to feel represented. Ron Zimmerman, executive director of Rank MI Vote, points out a growing concern: “Voters across the political spectrum agree on one thing: polarization is out of control and our representatives are spending more energy fighting each other than working for us.” Well, ranked choice voting could just be the answer!
A Thriving Movement in Michigan
In recent years, the efforts of Rank MI Vote have been successful in bringing ranked choice voting to local elections in places like Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and Kalamazoo. This fall, they took it a step further by hosting an impressive 40 town halls in 40 days statewide to spread the word and invite voters to engage. Due to the overwhelming interest following the November election, they’re back on the road again, this time with another series of town halls specifically in Oakland County!
Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events!
Excited to learn more? Here’s the lineup for town halls in Oakland County:
- Farmington Community Library: Thursday, December 5 at 6:00 pm
- Ferndale Area District Library: Monday, December 9 at 6:00 pm
- Royal Oak Public Library: Sunday, December 15 at 2:30 pm
But wait, there’s more! Can’t make it to a local event? No problem! A Virtual Town Hall will be hosted via Zoom on Wednesday, December 11 at 7:00 pm, making it even easier for you to join in the conversation from the comfort of your own home.
Get Involved!
These town halls aren’t just casual meet-ups; they are a chance for you to dive deep into how a ranked choice voting system could dramatically change our electoral landscape in Michigan. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, express your opinions, and connect with fellow voters who care about making a positive change.
To register for the virtual town hall or to learn about additional dates and locations statewide, head over to www.RankMIVote.org/events. Let your voice be heard in these critical discussions—after all, democracy thrives when we all participate!
Join the Movement!
If you want to see a political system that’s more reflective of what we truly want, ranked choice voting might just be the way forward. Come out to these town halls, bring your questions, and let’s spark a meaningful conversation about how we can enhance our voting process and unite as a community.
So, Oakland County, are you ready to take an active role in shaping the future of Michigan’s elections? We look forward to seeing you there!
