Former Massachusetts Senior Senator and US Secretary of State John Kerry Endorses Ranked Choice Voting

“Massachusetts is synonymous with democracy and a yes vote on Question 2 keeps it that way”

For Immediate Release:

Boston, Mass. — October 29, 2020 — Today, John Kerry, the former U.S. Secretary of State and senior Senator from Massachusetts, officially endorsed Question 2 on the Massachusetts ballot, and revealed he already voted in support of the initiative to bring ranked choice voting to Massachusetts.

“Massachusetts is the cradle of American democracy. Going back to the earliest debates in Faneuil Hall about declaring our independence, we’ve been at our best when we’ve led on innovative new reforms to make democracy and representation more participatory and inclusive,” said John Kerry. “A yes vote on Question 2 affirms that tradition is alive for the next generation, which is why I voted for it myself. Ranked choice voting would help strengthen our democracy at a time when we need it most.”

Kerry joins US Senator Elizabeth Warren, US Senator Edward Markey, Mass. Secretary Bill Galvin, former Democratic Governor Deval Patrick and former Republican Governor Bill Weld, former Republican Lt. Governor Kerry Murphy Healey, Andrew Yang, Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey among leaders who support the reform. 

Kerry continued, “When I served as President Obama’s Secretary of State, I worked with other countries to nurture and build democracy. But that effort was always most successful when we practiced and treasured democracy here at home and made our democratic experiment deliver for citizens.  The world follows our example more than our advice. Question 2 is one of those great chances to show that we walk the walk on democracy.  It gives voters more choice and more voice. Ranked choice voting motivates candidates to find more common ground with more voters to win elections and encourages more cooperation once they’re governing. I’m proud of this movement in Massachusetts, which will help shift political power to where it belongs: with the voters.” 

Question 2 would enact a system of ranked choice voting used in primary and general elections for statewide offices, state legislative offices and certain county offices beginning in 2022. 

Contact: charlie.patterson@yeson2rcv.com, 617-894-6905

About the Yes on 2 Campaign
Yes On 2 is a citizen-led, nonpartisan campaign to adopt Ranked Choice Voting for Massachusetts elections starting in 2022. Ranked Choice Voting is a common-sense reform that gives voters more voice, more choice, more power and more freedom. It will strengthen our democracy by ensuring our leaders are supported by the broadest majority of voters and reflect the true will of the people.

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