Improving Democracy

Two For One Election Special

As Angelenos head to the polls to replace yet another disgraced member of the City Council, it is clear that ranked-choice voting is needed.

“It is true that power corrupts. The hope at the polling stations and the actions of the elected representatives, unfortunately, often turn to be opposite. The power of ballot turns into the power of wallet. Some law-makers become law-breakers.”

- Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj

Photo by Tiffany Tertipes on Unsplash

Being a member of the Los Angeles City Council “is an incredibly powerful job” that pays a salary of $218,000 a year plus perks. One would think that this would be enough to motivate them to do their best to hold on to their positions, but time after time residents find themselves without representation when their council members leave office before the end of their terms.

Currently, the sixth district’s seat is vacant after Nury Martinez was caught revealing her bigotry and willingness to turn the redistricting process into a naked power grab. In City Council District 10, Mark Ridley-Thomas…