Council refers ranked-choice voting to ballot, approves stagger change contingent on passage and delays implementation to 2029

After extended public comment and staff briefings, Longmont City Council directed staff to refer ranked-choice voting (RCV) to voters using a split-question approach on July 14. The council specified that the staggered-term question (realigning at-large and ward election cycles) will be listed separately and made contingent on passage of the RCV measure; the implementation date was set for 2029 to allow for voter education and technical preparations.

Staff noted the difference between instant-runoff (single-winner RCV) and single-transferable-vote (STV for multi-winner contests) and warned that multi-winner STV currently requires certified tabulation equipment and Secretary of State rules for multi-jurisdiction contests. Advocates at public comment explained possible representation gains, while opponents raised constitutional and procedural concerns. Councilmembers emphasized clarity in ballot language and recommended substantial voter outreach before any change takes effect. The motion to refer the split approach with the contingency passed 6–1.