The Ugly Truth About New York's Mayoral Election: What RCV Can Teach Us
As the mayoral election in New York City careens towards a disturbing conclusion, one thing is clear: the absence of ranked choice voting (RCV) has led to a toxic and negative campaign. The Democratic primary, on the other hand, was marked by civility and kindness, thanks to RCV's unique approach.
In February, Mamdani polled at 1 percent, but quickly gained momentum with voters. The progressive candidates tried to push each other out, short-circuiting the entire race. Instead of arguing about spoilers, candidates talked about real issues, like rent, housing, and affordability. The debate was about building each other up, not tearing each other down.
Fast forward to the general election, where RCV is no longer an option. The campaign has devolved into a nasty and divisive contest, with billionaires like Trump and Ackman playing a significant role in shaping the narrative. Cuomo's team even posted that "a vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani," highlighting the kind of negative and divisive rhetoric that RCV can help prevent.
The contrast between the primary and general election couldn't be more stark. The primary was a model of civility, while the general election has descended into ugliness. New Yorkers should take note: ranked choice voting is not just a novelty, but a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and positive electoral process.
In an RCV system, candidates are incentivized to make a positive pitch to voters, rather than resorting to negative campaigning. Spoilers are eliminated, and voters have the power to choose from multiple candidates without fear of "wasting" their vote. This approach allows for a more nuanced and inclusive discussion of issues, rather than the toxic negativity that has dominated this campaign.
The outcome of the election is far from certain, but one thing is clear: New Yorkers deserve better than this kind of ugliness. Ranked choice voting can help create a more civil and inclusive electoral process, one that puts the needs of voters first, not just the interests of billionaires and special interests.
As the mayoral election in New York City careens towards a disturbing conclusion, one thing is clear: the absence of ranked choice voting (RCV) has led to a toxic and negative campaign. The Democratic primary, on the other hand, was marked by civility and kindness, thanks to RCV's unique approach.
In February, Mamdani polled at 1 percent, but quickly gained momentum with voters. The progressive candidates tried to push each other out, short-circuiting the entire race. Instead of arguing about spoilers, candidates talked about real issues, like rent, housing, and affordability. The debate was about building each other up, not tearing each other down.
Fast forward to the general election, where RCV is no longer an option. The campaign has devolved into a nasty and divisive contest, with billionaires like Trump and Ackman playing a significant role in shaping the narrative. Cuomo's team even posted that "a vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani," highlighting the kind of negative and divisive rhetoric that RCV can help prevent.
The contrast between the primary and general election couldn't be more stark. The primary was a model of civility, while the general election has descended into ugliness. New Yorkers should take note: ranked choice voting is not just a novelty, but a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and positive electoral process.
In an RCV system, candidates are incentivized to make a positive pitch to voters, rather than resorting to negative campaigning. Spoilers are eliminated, and voters have the power to choose from multiple candidates without fear of "wasting" their vote. This approach allows for a more nuanced and inclusive discussion of issues, rather than the toxic negativity that has dominated this campaign.
The outcome of the election is far from certain, but one thing is clear: New Yorkers deserve better than this kind of ugliness. Ranked choice voting can help create a more civil and inclusive electoral process, one that puts the needs of voters first, not just the interests of billionaires and special interests.
but RCV in NYC is literally the best thing since sliced bread 
️! I was thinking about it after the democratic primary and how peaceful and positive it all felt. Then general election came around and it's like a whole different story 
. It's crazy how much of a difference RCV would've made this time around. Spoilers are just so unnecessary in our system rn 
. And can we talk about how billionaires like Trump & Ackman are just ruining the whole thing? 
. The general election is like a nightmare - all this negativity and division is so uncool 
. I mean, can't we just focus on the issues that matter? Like affordable housing and rent control? 
.
. It's like the perfect antidote to all this toxic negativity 
. With RCV, candidates actually have to talk about substance, not just trash their opponents 
. It's like we're finally seeing politics that actually serves the people, not just the billionaires and special interests 
. Anything less is just unacceptable 
. I think RCV would've made such a huge difference in the general election, especially with those billionaire influencers coming in to muddy the waters. It's wild how some candidates actually got more votes but lost because of the way the system is set up... it feels so unfair 
. And can we talk about how refreshing it was during the primary though? The debates were actually super civil and focused on real issues 
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. I mean, think about it - without RCV, the candidates were forced to resort to all sorts of nasty tactics just to win. It's like they're more interested in tearing each other down than actually solving the problems we need solutions for 
.
Mamdani and Sliwa got it right, at least when it comes to being honest about their values and policies 
Trump and Ackman just bringing the negativity 
️
. But then you fast forward to the general election and BAM! It's like a whole different story 
. They're no longer worried about being "the spoiler" or who's gonna win at all costs... instead, they're incentivized to make a real positive pitch to voters. And let's be real, voters get to keep their power - no more wasting their vote on someone just because they don't like the other options 
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. New Yorkers deserve better than this kind of ugliness... let's hope we can make it to an RCV system soon!
A candidate with no experience but a fancy budget winning an election? No thank you! We need RCV now more than ever to make sure our voices are actually being heard. 