On November 3, Honolulu will vote on Question 5, which would bring ranked choice voting (RCV) to Hawaii’s capital and largest city. Question 5 is supported by local leaders and organizations across O’ahu, including League of Women Voters of Hawaii President Judith Mills Wong and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii’s largest newspaper.

Below is a selection of endorsements from key supporters of Honolulu Question 5:

Ranked choice voting encourages more candidate and voter participation: Voters can choose a less-well-known candidate matching their views without fearing a ‘throwaway’ vote.

– Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board

We currently have a system where someone can win and go forward without a majority – they just happen to have the most number of votes.

– Judith Mills Wong

Ranked choice voting would improve Hawaii’s elections by increasing competition, strengthening representation and encouraging voter participation.

– Beth Fukumoto, former state representative

The Honolulu Charter Commission referred Question 5 to the ballot during its once-in-a-decade review of the city’s government. The Commission’s rigorous vetting process for proposals included a public testimony period; My Vote Counts Hawaii has examples of testimony from voters on its website:

Ranked choice voting gives voters more choice by allowing them to rank candidates instead of selecting just one. It ensures fairer outcomes, majority-supported winners, and saves public funds by avoiding runoff elections. As a voter, I want a system that reflects my full voice.

– Jamil from Ala Moana

Every time we vote, the conversation we have with friends and family is how we can vote strategically so that we can make the biggest impact with just one vote. But the reality is, it’s limiting the freedom of expression, we are forced to accept the one that we don’t truly align with. We all should be able to vote for someone who we truly believe in.

– Sayaka from Waikiki

Honolulu is home to nearly 70% of the state’s population. A win for ranked choice voting there would bring more choice and better elections to over one million people. The most populous cities in six other states already use ranked choice voting in their elections. 

To learn more about Honolulu Question 5, visit My Vote Counts Hawaii.