Democracy Under Fire: The Truth About Ranked Choice Voting

Kelly and Denali Tshibaka interview Mikaela Emswiler, Chair of Yes On 2, about efforts to overturn ranked choice voting (RCV) in Alaska. The discussion reveals that $12 million in out-of-state "dark money" is funding efforts to keep RCV. RCV, implemented four years ago, has led to record low voter turnout and complicated elections with issues like non-resident candidates making ballots. The system combines a jungle primary with ranked voting, which has resulted in up to 75 candidates in statewide races. Critics argue it was designed to keep certain politicians, like Senator Murkowski, in power. The hosts discuss how RCV has contributed to voter burnout and distrust in the election system, particularly among young voters. The conversation concludes with a call to civic engagement, emphasizing that voter participation is crucial for democracy and honors veterans' sacrifices for voting rights.