Referendum should not be based on municipal election turnout

Ranked balloting wins in Cambridge but isn’t binding on council — Oct. 24

In Cambridge, the question on the recent ballot asked if we voters would prefer a ranked system vs. first past the post. It was answered YES by 56 per cent of those who voted, in other words, a majority, so, one would think that was settled. But, oh no! Unlike the election of every single office, Cambridge city bureaucrats decided, in their wisdom, that the result of this referendum would only be binding if there was a 50 per cent turnout for the municipal election.

Everyone knows or should know, based on a long history, our local elections have a turnout of around 30 per cent … this one was no exception at 32 per cent.

Why would anyone base such a question on a totally unattainable turnout, unless, it was just another waste of OUR time, or a lame attempt to look as if city hall really cared about this issue.

If we continue to award four-year terms to our elected officials based on first past the post, with a dismal 32 per cent turnout, it then stands to reason that a 56 per cent YES vote on this question should, in any sane world, confirm it settled.

When was the last 50 per cent turnout in municipal elections? What a ridiculous criteria, let’s hope under new leadership in Cambridge these time-wasting, ill-conceived efforts cease.

Hugh Thompson

Cambridge