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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2021-26 Supporting Local Control Local Elections RESOLUTION NO. 2021-26 SUPPORTING LOCAL CONTROL FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS WHEREAS, all townships and school districts, 86 of 87 counties, and 85 percent of cities fall under statutory rules for the conduct of local elections and must ask permission of the Legislature to make changes to these rules; and WHEREAS, statutory cities like Edina do not have the authority under state law to adopt Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) even if they think it would be appropriate; and WHEREAS, the Local Options provision in the current RCV bill aims to remove regulatory barriers and extend authority to adopt RCV to local statutory jurisdictions like Edina; and WHEREAS, the RCV Local Options provision allows the flexibility to efficiently include ranked and unranked elections on a single ballot; and WHEREAS, the RCV Local Options provision provides consistent standards for the administration of RCV in cities that choose to use it; and WHEREAS, the League of Minnesota Cities supports the need for consistent RCV rules for use in Minnesota cities for both even and odd-year local elections and the City of Edina has included support for the local option of using RCV as part of its legislative priorities; and WHEREAS, the RCV local options provision contains no mandates, but simply provides local jurisdictions with the permission and tools they need to consider and implement RCV if they wish; and WHEREAS, a growing number of cities have adopted RCV -- including Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Bloomington and Minnetonka -- and more cities are exploring RCV because it provides a number of benefits over current local elections; and WHEREAS, local jurisdictions like Edina should have the opportunity to determine for themselves if RCV should be used for their local elections. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE UNDERSIGNED, The Edina City Council hereby declares its support removing regulatory barriers and giving all local jurisdictions in Minnesota the option to use Ranked Choice Voting if they decide it is right for their communities. Dated: April 6, 2021 Attest: Sharon Allison, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor STATE OF MINNESOTA ) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) SS CITY OF EDINA ) CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting City Clerk for the City of Edina do hereby certify that the attached and foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Edina City Council at its Regular Meeting of April 6, 2021, and as recorded in the Minutes of said Regular Meeting. WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this _______ day of ___________________, 2021. City Clerk