Have you heard of ranked-choice voting? With RCV, voters can rank candidates in their order of preference. In doing that, their ballot provides a built-in run-off selection. For example, a voter’s second choice is counted if their first choice can’t win. This continues until a candidate truly has the most (50+%) votes. With our current system in New Hampshire, ballots are ‘exhausted’ after a single choice is made. RCV is used in Maine and Alaska as well as various levels of elections across 25 states in the country. It is also used in many countries. Voters find it easy to use and feel they have more voice in the election. It is a growing movement. Voters can vote their conscience and have more choice! No more strategic voting, spoiler candidates, or vote-splitting. It’s democracy at work. Want to learn more? Please attend (via Zoom) on May 6, at 9 a.m. for NH RCV State Networking Meet. Bills to work toward RCV in New Hampshire will be introduced to the Election Law Committee next session. RSVP at nhrankedchoice.org and scroll down the page.
Concord’s 21st annual Perennial Exchange will be May 13 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St. It’s free and open to all. Here’s how the exchange works, just split and swap! Perennial plants are ambitious, persistent, and wandering. You’ve got a flock of phlox, a host of hosta, a drama daisies, dig and split them, put them in cans, bags, or boxes, and bring them down to the Audi to exchange for new varieties. And if you’re just starting a garden, there are plants for you too! Take your new plants home and set them in your garden. It’s all to beautify your yard and the city’s streetscape. Also at the exchange get advice from perennial master gardeners, Mother’s Day mugs and the great gardening raffle – 10 prizes for 10 winners from Aubuchon Hardware, Black Forest Nursery, Blue Seal, Brochu Nurseries, Cobblestone Design, Cole Gardens, Marshall’s Florist, D. McLeod Florist, Murray Farms, Osborne’s Agway and the NH State Prison Retail Shop. Rain or shine. Morning coffee and pastries.