Why New Hampshire needs ranked choice voting: Letters

Speak up for ranked choice voting bill in New Hampshire

Oct. 20 — To the Editor:

We know our government is a representative democracy, where citizens elect government officials who, then represent the citizens’ ideas and concerns. To make this happen "as designed," citizens need to exercise their responsibility to vote. Voting is important, in fact it is everything in a democracy. Pew reports ranked the United States 31st in the world for voter participation.

Most states elect state and federal officials with a plurality of votes (winners are not required to have a majority of votes). These two factors, low voter turnout and low percentage winners, are at play when the election outcomes do not represent the most number of citizens. For example, in the 2020 presidential election, about 65% of eligible citizens voted (35% chose to have no voice). Rep. Matt Gaetz won his seat, out of a field of seven candidates, with only 36% of the vote while 64% chose other candidates. Rep. Andy Biggs, Chair of the House Freedom Caucus, won his seat out of a field of four candidates, with only 29% of the vote and over 70% who chose other candidates.   Clearly, the greatest voter support is not being represented in these elections.

Ranked choice voting can fix that! RCV amplifies voters' preferences by building in a run-off election on each ballot. Voters rank their choices for who they want first, who they choose second and so on. Winners are required to have 50%-plus of the voters' support. A winner is chosen by a process of eliminating the lowest vote getter, and redistributing those ballot’s second choice to the remaining candidates (and so on). With RCV there is no such thing as spoiler candidates or split voting, voters can truly vote their conscience. We are fortunate that New Hampshire is working on bringing ranked choice voting to our state.

If you believe voters need more choice, more voice and more incentive to vote, contact your representative and tell them to support House Bill 345. Our committee legislators need to support HB 345 on Oct. 31 and pass it on to the full House in November. Note that this bill does not establish RCV anywhere, but will enable cities, towns and parties to OPT-IN to use it in their local elections if they choose. Find your representative at gencourt.state.nh.us  Let’s keep our focus on representation.

Cheri Bach

Portsmouth

No Labels needed to break partisan gridlock

Oct. 20 — To the Editor:

The same day former Michigan Congressman Fred Upton and No Labels co-founder Holly Page spoke with a houseful of New Hampshire voters in Greenland, the Portsmouth Herald included a classic partisan misdirection letter to the editor against No Labels. Both parties are attacking the No Labels Insurance Policy as No Labels gains momentum putting a Republican and Democrat running together for president and vice president.

Upton, who was primaried for his vote to impeach our former president, discussed the huge impact No Labels has made in Washington through both the No Label Problem Solvers and the joint Senate/Congress meetings (called bicameral). After four years of no bipartisan legislation, Upton explained the crucial role the evenly balanced House Republican/Democratic Problem Solvers crafted the bipartisan compromises that enabled the major Biden administration legislative accomplishments.

At the Greenland event, I questioned Page on why more people are not discussing, if reelected, that former President Clear & Present Danger would continue the fascist playbook, punishing all who opposed him and rewarding and installing loyalists. Page pointed out that it is called an Insurance Policy since even if Biden beats Trump again that would lead to four more years of “stolen elections” and partisan stagnation.

The Oct. 19 letter to the editor mimics a common partisan No Labels attack of not disclosing donors. Upton reminded the gathering that partisan third party groups do not disclose donors, because the other side makes personal attacks. Upton referenced the recent barrage of House speaker death threats and as a nonpartisan third party, both sides go after No Labels donors. Any No Labels candidates will be held to the same FEC reporting requirements as the parties.

No Labels is not a political party, but registering as a party is the only ballot access path in some states. New Hampshire law provides two options. One is to be included in the long list of “other” candidates, or to collect the approximately 10-foot tall stack of petitions (all validated by the signers' supervisor of the checklist and the secretary of state) to have a column equal to the other parties. No Labels is making the large investment to have a dedicated New Hampshire column on the November 2024 ballot, and by New Hampshire definition that classifies No Labels as a political party.

No Labels is clearly not what the Republican and Democratic parties are today. I would define these two partisan entities as governmental influencing groups, mainly funded by extremely wealthy entities that put country second. A No Labels ticket will be two candidates who put our country first, above party victories or opponent failures. If we don’t have the courage to be brave on Election Day and break the partisan gridlock, don’t be foolish enough to expect change or federal government in the best interest of all of America.

Steven Borne

Rye

Deaglan McEachern consistently respectful as mayor

Oct. 16 — To the Editor:

In the last couple of decades, many public figures at the national level seem to have lost the ability to disagree without being disagreeable. One of the qualities of Deaglan McEachern that I admire is his ability to articulate his positions in an even, non-confrontational manner. On the two City Councils on which Deaglan has served, he has sometimes been working alongside colleagues with significantly different positions and yet he has been consistently respectful and gracious to those with whom he serves and welcoming to members of the public addressing the council as well.

Peter J. Loughlin

Portsmouth

Susan Rice will give Rochester a positive voice as mayor

Oct. 20 — The the Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Susan Rice for mayor of Rochester. I have lived and worked in this community for over 40 years. I first met Susan when she opened her business on North Main.  It quickly became apparent her enthusiasm for our entire community. What struck me most was her transparency and being genuine. Her ambassador-like quality of promoting Rochester is evident, just walk by her shop and you cannot help but smile seeing the “Experience” Rochester big foot T-shirts and the Lilac City mugs. We have talked about the homeless, the drug issues, parking issues, housing issues and economic development, but what is striking is the way in which the conversation always transitions into the positive and how Rochester has progressed in recent years.

Listen carefully, and you will hear the vision and how she wants everyone to thrive. She is passionate about our city being inclusive and that voices are heard. She is passionate about following procedures. She is passionate about our taxes and services. She is respectful of the voters' wishes. I recently learned more about her governmental background, appointed and elected positions and her prior municipal work. My vote goes to Susan!  The community needs the passion and enthusiasm to bring about positives.

Joette Mackenzie

Rochester

No Labels lacks transparency

Oct. 19 — To the Editor:

One of the reasons so many Americans have become disenfranchised with the politics of our government is the lack of transparency. Facts and science have been replaced by conspiracies and obfuscation. Nowhere is this more evident than with the group that labels themselves No Labels.

No Labels is a political third party that claims not to be a political party. This political party/non-party wants to offer voters an alternative to the Democratic and Republican candidates, or at least an alternative to Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

At a time when voters are looking for more transparency in government, No Labels offers less. Without a platform and unable to come clean about being a political party or who is funding them, No Labels prove the point that: “just when you think things can’t get any worse, they can.”

As a kid, I was always taught: “don’t ride with strangers,” so going for a ride with No Labels sounds like a really bad idea.

James Fieseher, MD

Dover

U.S. should stand by its principles

Oct. 19 — To the Editor:

When Russia rocketed apartments in Ukraine, the United Sttes and Europe declared it a war crime. When it bombed schools, hospitals and markets, cut off water, food and electricity to towns and cities, we called those actions crimes against humanity and enacted sanctions against Russia. We did the same when Syria’s Assad attacked his own people and laid siege to entire communities.

After Saudi Arabia bombed schools, markets and hospitals in Yemen, the United States stopped supporting the Saudis' air force.

When Hamas attacked civilians, including women, children and the elderly we called that a crime against humanity and announced that we stood with Israel. We already had sanctions against Hamas.

When Israel began bombing apartments, homes, schools and mosques and waste treatment plants, we offered them more bombs instead of treating them like Russia, Syria, Saudi Arabia or Hamas. As of the morning of Oct. 12, Israel’s bombs had killed 446 women and 248 children. The death toll in Gaza was 1,300 then. It was over 3,800 one week later. Health officials in Gaza say 60% of the deaths are women and children.

Israel says Hamas is responsible for those deaths because they are embedded with the civilian population. Military service is compulsory in Israel. By Israel’s standards any adult living with children or their parents would be embedded with civilians. That would make Israel responsible for those killed by Hamas. Neither accusation passes the smell test.

Israel has cut off food, fuel, water, electricity and medicine to the 2.3 million residents of Gaza. This country has done nothing to stop that. When Israel ordered half of Gaza’s population to leave their homes and move south with no access to food, water, fuel or shelter we did not act to stop this.

Israel is right to go after the armed wing of Hamas which attacked its population. It has no right to target families or lay siege to an entire population. This country should withhold military support until Israel stops behaving like Syria, Russia, Saudi Arabia or Hamas.

Walter Hamilton

Portsmouth

Support Kathleen Soldati for Portsmouth City Council

Oct. 19 — To the Editor:

I’ve worked in Portsmouth for almost 50 years, and love our city. That’s why I’m supporting Kathleen Soldati for City Council. She has experience working for both nonprofit and for-profit businesses, including The Music Hall, JSA Architects and New Hampshire Public Television. As executive director, she has led both the League of NH Craftsmen and the Portsmouth Historical Society, where I had the opportunity to work under her leadership. She’s a creative problem solver who will do her best to insure everyone’s voice is heard. She will bring her values of inclusiveness and civil discourse to the table. She will bring a fresh perspective to the council, without any hidden agendas. On Nov. 7, I’ll be casting a vote for Kathleen Soldati.

Robin Albert Lehman

Portsmouth

Vote for Kathleen Soldati for Portsmouth City Council

Oct. 20 — To the Editor:

It is my great pleasure to write in support of Kathleen Soldati's candidacy for Portsmouth City Council.  As a member of her staff during her time as executive director of the Portsmouth Historical Society, I can attest that she is a dedicated, fair-minded, and talented leader who is deeply committed to both Portsmouth's history and also, more significantly, to ensuring that we have a bright future. She is well equipped, both personally and professionally, to deal with the multiple challenges that the city is facing on so many fronts. She enjoys problem-solving and building consensus.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, as a member of a family with a long history of public service she has been a lifelong activist. Her leadership background in several of our city and state's major cultural institutions, her vision, her intelligence, her enthusiasm, and her respect for Portsmouth's tradition of civil discourse will make her a valuable member of the next council.

Please vote for Kathleen Soldati on Nov. 7.  Thank you.

Gerald W.R. Ward

State representative, Rockingham 27 (Portsmouth Ward 4)

Deaglan McEachern for City Council

Oct. 21 – To the Editor:

I have been proud to watch Deaglan McEachern first as a city councilor and now as mayor of Portsmouth, and am thrilled to support him for another term. I can confidently attest to the dedication, vision, and leadership he has brought to our community.

Throughout his time as mayor, Deaglan has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare and progress of our city. As promised, he has brought positive leadership and transparency to city office. He makes himself available to issues and concerns big and small, providing an open door for our community. In times of adversity, he has represented our city with dignity. In times of pain, he has brought calm. I’ve always been impressed by Deaglan’s unique ability to bring people of varying perspectives together. In an era when division and discord are prevalent, his efforts to foster dialogue and collaboration are appreciated by myself and so many others.

Moreover, Deaglan has consistently shown that he is a leader who listens. His approach to governance is characterized by an earnest desire to understand the diverse voices of our community. As a result, he has been able to champion policies and initiatives that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our residents. I have no doubt that Deaglan will continue to serve our city with the same passion, integrity, and effectiveness he has shown in the past.

I urge you to join me in supporting our Mayor Deaglan McEachern for City Council. His leadership will undoubtedly continue to be an asset to our community.

David Steady

Portsmouth

This is not the Republican Party you used to know

Oct. 19 — To the Editor:

This is not the Republican party you used to know. As I write this, the U.S. Congress is voting to elect (or not) Ohio Republican Congressman Jim Jordan as speaker of the House of Representatives. If elected, he will be 2^nd in line to the President of the United States.  Who is Jim Jordan? The former wrestling coach who doesn’t wear a suit jacket.  The 16-year legislator who has never passed a piece of legislation (never even brought one to committee). John Boehner, former Republican speaker of the House, described Rep Jordan as a “legislative terrorist."

Jordan persuaded Kevin McCarthy, then speaker of the House, to name him to the House Judiciary Committee, and he has now used his role as chair to launch investigations into each of the prosecutors who have indicted the former president on criminal charges. In 2021, when he was subpoenaed to appear before the January 6^th House Select Committee, Jordan defied the subpoena. A subpoena from the very House of Representatives that he now wants to lead.

Congressman Jordan is an election denier and a close ally of former President Trump. Even today, while his fellow representatives are voting to elect him (or not), he was asked by Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole if he would acknowledge that the 2020 election was not stolen, Jim Jordan declined to answer. An election denier who, former President Trump thinks so highly of, that he awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  Previous recipients include Colin Powell, Sargent Shriver, Warren Buffet, John Glenn and now Jim Jordan.

Whether or not Jim Jordan gets elected speaker of the House of Representatives today or in the future, consider this: about 200 Republican congressmen and women (90%) voted to elect a man they know is an election denier. A man they know worked closely with the former president up to and following the January 6^th insurrection. Why would they do that?! One reason might be found in a quote attributed to Mitt Romney and found in McKay Coppins' book “Romney – A Reckoning." It reads: "Romney attributed some of the two-faced behavior of his colleagues to their fear of violent retribution from their voter base." Coppins wrote that “after January 6, a new, more existential brand of cowardice had emerged.” According to Romney, one senator wanted to vote for Trump’s second impeachment but feared for his family’s safety if he did. Romney was the only member of his party to vote to convict Trump in the 2020 impeachment trial.

Following yesterday’s unsuccessful effort to garner the 217 needed votes to win, those Republicans who did not vote for Jordan apparently heard from Fox News host Sean Hannity. Republican Doug LaMalfa said, “Some people don’t appreciate being bullied on how they are going to vote, whether it’s by a TV host or a flood of emails.”  (Source: Washington Post 10-18-23)

Daniel Ziblatt, professor of government at Harvard University, observed “If you want to know what it looks like when democracy is in trouble, this is what it looks like.  It should set off alarm bells that something is not right.” (Source: Washington Post 10-2-23.)

Bess Mosley, a former Republican

Portsmouth

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Why New Hampshire needs ranked choice voting: Letters