Heber City Council is taking steps to engage residents in discussions about ranked choice voting following a heated public comment session during their recent meeting. The council heard from community members who expressed strong opinions on the voting method, with concerns about ballot transparency and the legitimacy of survey results regarding public support for ranked choice voting.

Tracy Taylor, a resident, highlighted that many surveys fail to address whether voters are aware if their ballots were counted, raising doubts about the validity of the positive feedback on ranked choice voting. She emphasized the importance of including questions about ballot counting in future surveys to ensure that residents are informed about the voting process.

Mike Hewlett echoed these concerns, citing several states that have banned ranked choice voting and arguing that it leads to undesirable election outcomes. He pointed out that the method can result in candidates being elected who do not have broad support among voters. His comments underscored a growing skepticism about the effectiveness of ranked choice voting in reflecting the will of the electorate.

In response to the public comments, council members discussed the need for better communication with residents. A motion was made to create an educational public outreach campaign, including a social media initiative, to encourage residents to share their views with the council. This effort aims to foster a more informed dialogue about voting methods and ensure that community voices are heard.

The council's decision to pursue this outreach reflects a commitment to transparency and engagement, as they seek to address the concerns raised by residents. As the council moves forward, the implications of these discussions on the future of ranked choice voting in Heber City remain to be seen, but the focus on public input is a significant step toward enhancing democratic participation in local governance.