Boulder residents advocate for proportional voting methods to increase representation

During the Boulder City Council meeting on April 3, 2025, significant discussions centered around electoral reform and community representation. Neil McBurnett, a long-time Boulder resident, urged the council to consider adopting a more equitable voting system. He highlighted concerns about the current at-large plurality voting method, which he argued leaves many voters feeling unrepresented. McBurnett proposed exploring proportional representation options, such as ranked choice voting, which have been successfully implemented in cities like Portland and Cambridge. He emphasized the need for a study session on this topic, supported by a petition from the League of Women Voters that gathered nearly 600 signatures.

The meeting also featured comments from James Duncan, who criticized the council for perceived inaction on pressing social issues. He referenced a recent event honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and called for the council to embrace "good trouble" by addressing systemic injustices rather than maintaining the status quo. Duncan's remarks underscored a growing sentiment among community members advocating for more proactive governance.

Scott Miller, another speaker, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to voice concerns, indicating a strong community interest in engaging with council members on these critical issues. The discussions reflect a broader desire among Boulder residents for electoral reform and a commitment to addressing social justice matters, signaling potential shifts in local governance priorities. The council's response to these calls for change will be closely watched as the community seeks greater representation and accountability.