A large field of candidates should signal a healthy, vibrant democracy. But too often, crowded contests give way to vote-splitting, fears of wasted votes and ultimately, winners without majority support--a problem many Montgomery County voters experienced firsthand in the 2018 local elections, when 38 candidates, including 33 Democrats, vied for 4 at-large seats on the County Council.

Fortunately, a remedy for the many ailments of our winner-take-all system exists: ranked choice voting. It’s easy, effective, and proven to work, evidenced by its widespread use and success in cities nationwide, in Maine, at leading colleges and universities, and even The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar nominees and the Best Picture winner.