The Jersey City Council approved a ranked-choice voting (RCV) trigger ordinance at last night’s meeting, meaning that if the New Jersey legislature approves a RCV bill, the local legislation would then necessitate a referendum.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
During the ordinance’s public comment period, Veronica Akaezuwa identified herself as a leader of Voter Choice New Jersey before advocating for the measure to pass.
“This vote marks a significant step toward reshaping the future of elections in New Jersey for the better. It’s a collective effort to bring ranked-choice voting to New Jersey and make it a reality. We’ve seen an outpouring of support from Jersey City residents. I’m hopeful we can do it,” she said.
Akaezuwa continued that Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), a declared candidate for mayor, Assemblyman John Allen (D-32), Hoboken 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen, and Hoboken Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour have all endorsed RCV.
She also said that Allen is sponsoring the Municipal and School Board Voting Options Act in the Assembly, with our state senators sponsoring the companion bill needed for it to become law.
“The cities of Hoboken and Jersey City are leading by example by creating more fair and democratic elections. I’m incredibly proud to sponsor the Rank Choice Voting bill to help make this a reality for cities across New Jersey and I look forward to working diligently with my colleagues to see this pass,” Allen said in a statement on Thursday.
The Hoboken City Council approved their RCV trigger ordinance in December 2021.
Back to the last night’s Jersey City Council meeting, everyone who spoke during public comment asked the governing body to pass what was in front of them.
“It improves the voting experience. It’s another way to level the playing field and eliminate the advantage of the county line ballot design,” Joel Rothfus argued.
“Add more democracy to our voting process. Show the others this is the way we need to go,” said activist Barry Benda.
Furthermore, activist Katie Brennan said RCV is like choosing your second favorite bagel at a shop when they’re out of the first.
“Being a pioneer in the state and moving forward with this ordinance is going to open forward a better process to elect our elected officials,” activist Elvin Dominici argued, noting it is a great way to follow up the county line being struck down.
“I support ranked-choice voting. I hope you all do too. It enables voters to rank candidates in order of preference and ensures winners of any election have the support of and or accountable to a majority of voters,” activist Edward Perkins argued.
Blake Zimmer said he was 17 before speaking in favor of the measure.
“It will always ensure majority rule no matter how many candidates are in,” he asserted.
“This is a trigger ordinance for a ballot initiative. No one of you are voting tonight to implement ranked-choice voting right now. The method by which we bring about this change is democratic. I hope you’re in favor of giving the people of Jersey City a choice in how they choose to run their elections,” Ricardo Rojas stated.
Other public speakers echoed a similar sentiment.
“Ranking things is a very human tendency as anyone who has read BuzzFeed article can attest. Studies show Ranked Choice Voting leads to greater diversity of candidates and that women and candidates of color do well,” said progressive activist Eleana Little, who ran for Hudson County executive last year.
“RCV eliminates negative campaigning because candidates still have to appeal to the bases of their opponents. Stand on the right side of democracy tonight and pass this.”
Attorney Renee Steinhagen read a letter from Hoboken 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher supporting RCV.
“Show your constituents you stand for and support every possible step that could be taken to strengthen our democracy,” she said.
“I came tonight despite it being the Eid holiday just to take this vote. I pledged my support early on. I’m proud to vote aye today,” exclaimed Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh.
Ward E Councilman James Solomon thanked Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore for leading the effort (they were the prime sponsors of the ordinance).
“Your voice can create a better New Jersey. We see a rising cynicism of public service, of politics, of elections and structural causes are a big part of that. When you’re told the person who you think is the best choice is told to not even bother running because the system is so stacked against them,” stated Solomon.
“It makes the most sense in the world. This is step one in an important three-step process. Step two is getting Trenton to take action. This is the perfect moment for us to go to Trenton. Don’t just get rid of the line. Adopt this system that is going to truly empower voters in New Jersey. The third step is winning the referendum.”
Gilmore thanked Voter Choice New Jersey for their advocacy before explaining why he supports RCV.
“I wholeheartedly believe that this is a step in the right direction as it relates to allowing the people to choose how they choose to vote. That is extremely important. IIt takes away this, this negative back and forth during elections. This is something we can stand by.”
“Very commendable effort on the outreach and education for this. I proudly vote aye on enhancing this democratic process,” added Councilwoman-at-Large Amy DeGise.
Council President Joyce Watterman said it took about a year to get the ordinance hashed out before voting yes.
“We all believe in freedom of choice.. We really vote our conscience. You may disagree with us. So often you insult us. We really trying to do it right. We do vote 85 to 95 percent of the time together. So I do vote aye,” she added.
The Jersey City Council voted 7-0(1) to approve the measure, with Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano abstaining and Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley absent.
