(Rathdrum, ID) — In a move to safeguard the integrity and simplicity of Idaho’s electoral process, Veterans for Secure Idaho Elections (V4SIE) announced their campaign to oppose Proposition 1 – Ranked Choice Voting (RCV).
WHY VETERANS OPPOSE RCV:
Complexity and Voter Confusion: Veterans believe RCV introduces confusion into the voting process. “Prop 1 silences veteran voices and threatens the “one person, one vote” tradition we’ve fought for and is antithetical to the Constitution. Our voting system should be straightforward, ensuring every vote counts equally and without confusion,” stated Brigadier General (ret) Blaine Holt, V4SIE member.
Potential for Suppression of Veteran Voters: The well established Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP.gov) for service members, their families and overseas citizens provides resources down to individual level. “Under RCV, servicemembers would be challenged to study large numbers of candidates, leading to incomplete ballots. Such ballots would likely be discarded through the ‘exhausted ballots’ process.” Holt added.
Lack of Transparency: RCV relies on centralized computer tabulation to make adjustments or discard ballots in each round. There is no way to validate the accuracy of the computer processes involved. Election results can take weeks to certify as a result. “We’ve seen how RCV has created catastrophic results in other states that have already tried it, erroneously selecting winners and trashing valid ballots, which is repugnant to our form of republic-designed democracy,” Holt commented.
Unreasonable Costs: Proposition 1 will cost Idaho up to $40 million which will potentially cut into county essential services such as law enforcement, where veterans continue to be of service to their communities.
CAMPAIGN DETAILS:
Educational Outreach: V4SIE will engage in statewide educational campaigns to inform veterans and the public about the implications of RCV.
Legislative Advocacy: Efforts will be made to support and introduce legislation protecting the integrity of Idaho’s “One Person, One Vote” system.
Public Awareness: Utilizing social media, town halls, and direct communication, V4SIE aims to mobilize veterans and concerned citizens to voice their opposition to RCV.
QUOTE FOR MEDIA:
“Veterans have faithfully fought for our Constitution and freedoms that include the right to a clear, fair, and straightforward voting process. Ranked Choice Voting undermines these principles,” said Brig General (ret) Blaine Holt. “We call on all Idaho veterans and citizens to stand with us in preserving the integrity of our transparent and high trust electoral system.”
ABOUT VETERANS AGAINST RANKED CHOICE VOTING:
V4SIE is a coalition of veterans and concerned citizens dedicated to maintaining the traditional “One Person, One Vote” voting systems in Idaho, ensuring that every vote is counted as intended by the voter as the founders had intended