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Follow on Google News | ![]() Broward County needs proportional representationInstead of debating how to best pack and crack voters, Broward County should consider a better solution. FLIER calls on Broward County to consider proportional representation in the interests of the public and a functional representative democracy.
Based on the historical and current actions of the two dominant political parties, the Legislature, and the governor, FLIER recognizes that representative democracy in Florida is only valued as much as it benefits incumbent interests. However, for the benefit of all Broward residents and democracy in Florida, FLIER urges the Broward County Commission and the plaintiffs of the lawsuit to consider a better option for resolving this issue. The best solution to maximize representation for all Broward residents would be proportional representation. Using the single transferable vote method of proportional representation, where voters can rank their candidates in order of choice, a candidate would need roughly 10% of the vote to proportionally win a seat on the nine member County Commission. This would put all seats within the reach of any of the county's diverse demographic groups. Cambridge, Massachusetts has successfully used this method to elect its city council and school board since 1941. Until the McCarthy era, proportional representation was used in 24 big and small U.S. cities including New York City and Cincinnati where it resulted in the first African Americans being elected to city office, among other achievements. Proportional representation is also used by many of the world's established democracies. Instead of debating how to best pack and crack voters, Broward County should consider a better solution. FLIER calls on Broward County to consider proportional representation in the interests of the public and a functional representative democracy. End
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