As someone who has been involved in the Maine political system since I graduated from college, I am a strong supporter of Question 5 to institute ranked-choice voting.

From being a grassroots organizer, a public policy director, a partisan staffer and finally now as a lobbyist, I’ve experienced Maine politics from full Democratic control to full Republican control and now with the mixed chambers and our Republican governor. I’ve had the honor to work closely with both parties over the years as well as with the few independent members who have bravely served their constituents without major party support.

This experience has convinced me that our legislative system has reached an artificial limit with the two-party system. Much more could be accomplished if we had more diverse parties and interests speaking for the voters in Augusta.

Furthermore, as the daughter of a stalwart Libertarian and an equally faithful independent, I’ve intimately experienced the frustration of politically engaged citizens who feel neither major party shares their values. Too many times my parents have had to hold their noses and vote against the candidate that least represented their vision of American progress.

Ranked-choice voting will encourage more candidates to run for office, giving voters more choice. And when candidates know that they may be competing for first, second or third choice on the ballot, we’ll see a more civil discourse during campaign season. That’s something we’re all craving this election cycle.

Laura Harper

Hallowell