Commission schedules full discussion, vote on ranked‑choice and related council structure amendments for June 12 amid heated public comment

The Charter Review Commission set June 12 for a full discussion and vote on proposed Amendment 31, a package that includes ranked‑choice voting and changes to council composition. The item drew the most sustained public comment at the meeting, with speakers both urging adoption and warning of negative effects.

Public commenters expressed a wide range of views. Supporters argued ranked‑choice voting could broaden representation and encourage cooperation; one caller said, “Let’s let the voters decide,” urging the commission to place the measure on the ballot. Opponents raised concerns about cost, complexity and effects on minority voters, citing research they said raised caution about the method’s outcomes and possible increased ballot exhaustion. Several commenters said they had collected or reviewed dozens of emails showing local opposition and urged commissioners to consider the scope and format of ballot questions.

Commissioners noted the proposal as complex: it would, if adopted, potentially change the voting method and the size and structure of council districts. Several commissioners emphasized that the package contained multiple separate questions (ranked voting itself, number of districts and council size), and that voters might approve some parts and not others. The commission agreed to schedule discussion and a vote on June 12 to allow more time for review and public input.

Because the topic crosses electoral procedure, representation and budget considerations (county staff and elections costs), commissioners and members of the public said they expect further written materials and analysis ahead of the June 12 meeting. The commission’s scheduling decision gives residents time to submit comments and for staff to prepare cost and implementation details for the public record.