Letter to the Editor: Iowans need more choices, not division

Are you an alt-right Republican or a radical-left Democrat? Most likely, you are neither! Most Americans consider themselves “moderate.” Then why do so many candidates on the ballot have extreme positions? Why has compromise become a dirty word? Could it be that our plurality voting system is flawed? THERE IS A BETTER WAY!!

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is used by 13 million voters across the U.S. and has been successful across the political spectrum. Unlike the current system, where candidates can win without majority support, RCV allows voters to rank candidates by preference, ensuring broader backing for the winner. This method increases candidate choice, reduces negative campaigning, and shifts messaging toward policies that appeal to a wider electorate. It also saves cities and towns money by eliminating costly runoff elections, easing the burden on taxpayers.

The Iowa Legislature wants to ban RCV and strip local governments of choice — ignoring what everyday Iowans really want: more options and less division. Politics have become too extreme. It’s time to restart conversations about electing centrist candidates with real solutions. Join me in telling State Senator Ken Rozenboom and State Representative Barb Kniff McCulla to VOTE NO on Senate File 459 and House Study Bill 281. To learn more visit betterballotiowa.org.

Mark Stelter

Pella