To the editor: In their respective articles on the March 5 vote, columnist Erika D. Smith and election reform advocate Nick Troiano do a good job of identifying the problems with our electoral system. But they do not mention a reform that could mitigate the problems they cite: ranked-choice voting.
By eliminating the tension between voting your conscience (or sending a message) and wasting your vote, ranked-choice voting offers more satisfaction in the act of voting. In the Senate race, you could have put Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) first and Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine) second without worrying about boosting Republican Steve Garvey's chances of winning. the second round.
Some fear ranked-choice voting is too complicated. But by curbing the “gamification” strategy that Smith cites, it is actually simpler and more natural. And voters don't really have to take advantage of it because they could still include only one candidate in each race.
The Times could do us a service by giving the idea more coverage, including how well it's working in places that have adopted it.
Jack McGregor, Woodland Hills
..
To the editor: I am glad that Smith denounces the “gamification” of elections, which the media propagates with its emphasis on polls. Smith says this discourages voters.
However, I think you are missing two points.
First, when people complain that they don't have time to vote, it's actually that many (not those who work two jobs or are overworked) choose to do other things, like binge-watch TV shows or spend time on social networks.
Secondly, it does not mention the importance of negative choices. Most voters turn out in “big” races like senator and president, but many decisions that directly affect voters are made by local officials.
On March 5th we had elections for judges, City Council members, school board members, and local and state measures. Information on all of these races was sent to all registered voters and made available online. These careers are less susceptible to gamification.
As for people not getting excited because the people running aren't exactly who they want, it's like taking the bus: it almost never takes you to your door, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take it. Just choose the one that is closest to you.
Bonnie Voland, Los Angeles
