Juneau assembly tables ranked‑choice voting ordinance after extended public testimony
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Summary
After more than a dozen public commenters expressed concerns about process, accessibility and ballot complexity, the Juneau assembly voted to table Ordinance 2025‑13c (ranked‑choice voting for single‑member races) indefinitely rather than adopt it by ordinance.
The Juneau City and Borough Assembly tabled an ordinance to adopt ranked‑choice voting for single‑member races after an extended public hearing and assembly motion to postpone.
At a public hearing on November 17, dozens of residents and election‑administration volunteers testified for and against Ordinance 2025‑13c. Angela Bridal, who identified herself as a downtown Juneau resident, said ‘‘Any change to the way we elect our leaders must go to the people’’ and urged the assembly not to adopt RCV without a public vote (public testimony). Several speakers raised concerns about voter confusion, ballot rejection rates and accessibility for seniors and voters with limited English or sight impairments.
Michael Reeder, who maintains domicile in Juneau while studying out of state, recommended more accessible ballot options if RCV moves forward, including larger fonts and plain‑language instructions. Tom Dienst, a longtime poll worker, described higher rejected‑ballot rates he associated with RCV rollouts elsewhere and urged caution. Opponents such as Dave Hanna and Joe Geldof argued that RCV addresses problems Juneau does not have and could create auditing or trust issues.
Assemblymember Adkisson acknowledged the theoretical merits of RCV but moved to table Ordinance 2025‑13c (version C) indefinitely, citing timing and fiscal pressures; no member objected and the motion carried. The ordinance will not proceed at this meeting, and the assembly did not vote to adopt the change by ordinance.
Clerk’s office staff also answered questions about voter accommodations. The clerk described ICX tablets and in‑person accessibility tools (audio ballots, large lettering, and assistance) intended to support voters with disabilities at vote centers.
What’s next: Because the assembly tabled the ordinance indefinitely, any future change to Juneau’s election procedures would require renewed action by the assembly or a citizen initiative to place the issue on the ballot.
