Advocates pitch ranked-choice voting at Trenton City Council meeting

Larry White, an organizer with Voter Choice New Jersey, presented a 15-minute overview of ranked-choice voting to the Trenton City Council at its April 15 meeting, urging the council to consider supporting a legislative path that would allow municipalities and school boards to use RCV.

White said RCV lets voters "rank candidates in order" and ensures a winner receives a majority, describing it as "instant runoff voting" and arguing it can reduce wasted votes, discourage negative campaigning and avoid costly low-turnout runoffs.

The presentation included a mock election to show how lower-performing candidates are eliminated and votes redistributed to second or third choices. White told the council that the bills now in the New Jersey Legislature would permit voluntary use of RCV for local and school board elections, and that, if the governor signs the bill, a municipality would then place a referendum on the ballot for voters to approve local adoption.

Council members asked detailed questions about mechanics and local impacts. Councilwoman Williams noted recent close local elections and asked what residents in Trenton were telling the advocates. White said organizers had done outreach to local community groups and were planning an education event in Trenton on May 7 at Trinity Cathedral Synod House, including a live "rank the ice cream" demonstration. White also said county clerks and existing voting machines in New Jersey are capable of handling RCV, and that his group is seeking municipal resolutions of support and trigger ordinances to show legislative interest.

City Attorney Wesley Bridges asked whether voters could eliminate runoffs via a local referendum now. White affirmed a local referendum could eliminate runoffs but said the pending legislation would enable a different voting method (RCV) rather than just abolishing runoffs. Council members pressed on the scale of local outreach needed. White responded that his organization would assist municipalities with education if the state bill is passed.

Several council members, including Councilwoman Frisbie, voiced support for public education and underscored that a municipal referendum ultimately would be decided by Trenton voters. Councilwoman Williams said she remained concerned about the scale of public education required and asked whether simply putting a referendum on the ballot to eliminate runoffs might be an easier near-term option.

The presentation did not result in a formal council vote that evening; advocates left fact sheets and event flyers for council members and invited residents to the May 7 community event.

Why it matters: Ranked-choice voting would change local election procedures and could affect turnout, campaign strategy and who wins municipal and school-board races. The council discussed education needs, legal pathways and local referendum options but did not adopt any action at the meeting.