Longmont council votes to refer ranked‑choice voting charter amendment to November ballot

The Longmont City Council voted to refer a charter amendment that would allow ranked‑choice voting for future city elections to the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot.

Mayor Prom introduced the motion to direct staff to draft a referral ordinance to amend the city charter to permit instant‑runoff voting for single‑winner contests and a single transferable vote method for multi‑winner contests. Council members debated whether the draft language should specify single transferable vote (STV), a method current Colorado law may not permit. Council Member Christ cautioned that STV is “not allowed under current state law,” and urged more general language or a zero‑reading discussion before committing to specific mechanisms. Council Member Marcen said he supported referral but worried the ballot should include clearer outcomes for voters and suggested considering council size changes if the city adopted multi‑winner ranked methods.

Staff told council legal and operational details would be refined before a formal ordinance. After discussing timing and process, the council voted to refer the measure. The motion carried 5–2, with Council Members Chris and Mayor Prom McCoy recorded in opposition.

Next steps: staff will draft the ordinance language, return to council for policy direction and ordinance drafting, and then the council will vote on the ordinance itself before it can appear on the November ballot.