HB 658 - Should not pass. Arlington declined to use this for their general election therefore it should be demoted in use not promoted. Most localities do not have the software required to extract Cast Vote Records today. Extending this capability to general elections will force counties who are already stretched thin financially for elections to seek emergency funding for a solution where no problem exists. Do not support this bill.

I am asking members of this committee to vote YES on HB658, which encourages localities across our Commonwealth to use Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in their elections and provides clarification and procedures to assist administration. RCV is one of three major elements of the Forward Party's election reform policy platform (in addition to nonpartisan primaries and independent redistricting commissions). RCV enhances voters' voice and influence because it captures more information about our preferences. This reduces strategic voting - the urge to withhold support for a favorite to avoid spoiling a race or wasting a vote. RCV also enhances trust in the system by providing evidence that the winner has majority support (not just a plurality). Finally, RCV provides incentives for candidates to appeal to all voters, because the method places value on their choices for alternatives. This in turn reduces the perceived need to conduct negative campaigns that are driving many voters away from participation in our political system. Please help restore choice and confidence in our elections by supporting this bill.

I support HB 658. Primary elections often have more than two candidates per party, and in such situations, ranked choice voting expresses the will of the voter more faithfully.

Veterans for All Voters supports HG 658. Localities should have the option of using RCV in all local elections, including elections for constitutional offices. Thanks, Mike Cantwell Virginia Task Force Lead - Veterans for All Voters 703-7886-3922