rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/let-buffalo-voters-decide-on-election-reform?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-let-buffalo-voters-decide-on-election-reform' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> WNY RCV Coalition https://actionnetwork.org/users/wny-rcv-coalition/profile https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg We, the undersigned residents and voters of Buffalo, call on the Buffalo Charter Revision Commission to conduct a full, fair, and transparent public debate on proposed election reforms at its July 8 meeting. The Charter Revision Commission was created to evaluate ideas, hear from the public, and recommend reforms that strengthen our city and democracy. These important issues deserve thoughtful discussion—not procedural roadblocks or the avoidance of public debate. Buffalo voters deserve to hear the merits of every proposal, ask questions, and see their appointed commissioners openly deliberate before deciding whether these reforms should appear on the November ballot. We respectfully ask that members of the Charter Revision Commission review all submitted election reform proposals for consideration and ensure they receive a public debate on July 8. We ask the Commission to openly consider: Open Primaries Allow independent voters to participate in primary elections while preserving political party nominations, giving more Buffalo residents a meaningful voice in choosing their elected leaders. Equal Ballot Access Reduce petition signature requirements for independent candidates so they are comparable to those required of Democratic and Republican candidates, creating a more equitable path to the ballot. Ranked Choice Voting Conduct a full public discussion on Ranked Choice Voting and allow voters the opportunity to decide whether it should become part of Buffalo’s electoral system. Our Request We are not asking the Commission to predetermine the outcome. We are asking for something more fundamental: an open, honest, and transparent debate on each proposal, followed by a vote of the Commission based on its merits. If approved, these reforms should be placed before the people of Buffalo on the November ballot, where the voters—not political or government insiders—can make the final decision. Buffalo’s democracy is strongest when ideas are debated openly, decisions are made transparently, and voters have the final say. Let the debate happen. Let the people decide. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/let-buffalo-voters-decide-on-election-reform