BUYER’S REMORSE: Let’s learn from our neighbors

We’ve all had that sinking feeling of regret for a decision or purchase. Sometimes, it’s because we should have done more research; other times, we’ve been duped or even lied to. It happens to the best of us.

That’s exactly what happened to the well-meaning Alaska voters who had been told there was a cheaper, easier and faster way to hold elections. Those claims would be appealing to any conscientious citizen, voter and taxpayer. So, ranked choice voting with open primaries narrowly passed by Alaska’s voters in 2020: 50.55% to 49.45% after a $3.1 million marketing campaign. However, Alaskan voters have since found that none of those claims have materialized, so now are attempting to reverse this convoluted election method. In fact, for the 2022 election, Alaska had the lowest voter turnout in their history and were the last in the nation to report their election results. Now, there’s a petition of over 43,000 signatures to “Rid the Rank” by repealing the law. Sounds like a painful lesson learned.

Despite this being touted as a better voting method, 10 states including Idaho have passed legislation against ranked choice voting. Conversely, Seattle, Portland and San Francisco use this method. Is there much about those cities that’s worth emulating? Perhaps many decades ago, but no longer.

Ranked choice voting/open primaries will be on Idaho’s November ballot. So, instead of joining the regretful ranks, why not learn from our northern neighbors? Additional info can be found at 208liberty.org

STEVE COCHRAN

Rathdrum