This political season, more than any in my lifetime, has been defined by vicious personal attacks and a lack of discussion about the serious issues facing our state and nation. Candidates and their most ardent supporters have questioned the character and motivations of their opponents.

The assumptions, insinuations, and accusations are dangerous. Serious policy discussions about poverty, the opioid crisis, and climate change have taken a backseat to conversations about sex and emails.
 
As a pastor and person of deep faith, I believe that I have a moral obligation to speak out for greater civility in our civic discourse. If possible, we need to find a way forward to a better system that will bring back the honor and civility that has existed within our political system.
 
Fortunately, there is a ballot initiative this year that offers the solution that many of us have been seeking. Next week, we have a chance to start to heal to our broken political system here in Maine by voting “Yes” on Question 5 for Ranked Choice Voting which offers simple, common sense, nonpartisan election reform.
 
Various solutions have been proposed in recent years to help restore greater civility to politics, to give more voice to voters, and to break gridlock and polarization in Augusta and in Washington. But many of these reforms will take years—even decades—to achieve.
 
Ranked Choice Voting encourages candidates to reach beyond their base, to listen to more voters, and to build majority coalitions needed to win. This reform shifts power away from special interests and puts more power in the hands of voters, so our voices matter more.
 
It also encourages parties, PACs, and politicians to engage differently with one another – to focus more on comparing and contrasting issues, not personalities; and to run more positive campaigns to earn, not just first choice rankings, but also second choice rankings from voters who like another candidate better.
 
Ranked Choice Voting is a better system that gives you the freedom to vote for the candidate you like best, without worrying that you will help to elect the candidate you like least. With Ranked Choice Voting, you never have to feel like your vote is “wasted.” You can choose to vote your hopes, not your fears.
 
Voting “Yes” on Question 5 for Ranked Choice Voting is a positive step to improve Maine politics. I urge Mainers of all faiths and of none at all to join me in supporting this better system.
 
The Rev. Michael J. Gray

Pastor, Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church

Old Orchard Beach