Sunday Speaker: Blake Sacha and Kathy Knecht, Voter Choice Arizona

Rank choice voting (RCV) is a simple upgrade to our elections that allows voters to rank the candidates in their order of preference rather than picking just one. RCV works better than our current system because it allows voters to express their actual preferences (rather than choose a compromise candidate), ensures the winner has majority support, and eliminates the so-called wasted vote problem and spoiler effect that occurs when several candidates run for the same office.

RCV can be adopted locally or statewide. When adopted for local elections, it can eliminate one entire election. That means RCV can save the city money, save the candidates money, reduce campaign sign blight, and allow candidates to spend more time on issues rather than campaigns.

Ranked choice voting is used across the United States in more than 55 cities, counties, and states. In the most recent election cycle, 22 cities in Utah, including Salt Lake City, used RCV for their local elections.

We will consider several recent Arizona elections where RCV could have improved the result. We will also conduct a live demonstration of RCV and discuss ways to get involved in bringing this important election reform to Arizona.

RCV has demonstrated the ability to increase engagement, improve diversity, increase voter satisfaction. RCV is a win/win for voters and candidates.

Blake Sacha – Blake retired in 2013 after 28 years with Intel Corporation. He holds a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a master of education from Central Michigan University. He has been an active member of the Gilbert community for many years where he served as a member of the Gilbert Public Schools board, president of the Gilbert Education Foundation and co-chair of Unite for Education AZ. He ran for the Arizona legislature in 2018. Blake and his wife Cindy have two grown children and have been Gilbert residents for more than 30 years. He enjoys running, gardening, and spending time with his family.

Kathy Knecht - Kathy is an independent thinker who puts people over politics. She ran for the Arizona legislature in 2018 and 2020. A well-established community leader, Kathy is a champion for public education, the military, economic development, and access to affordable health care. Kathy and her retired businessman husband have two successful, adult daughters. Kathy's experience as a teacher, school board member, and director of a non-profit corporation has equipped her to lead during challenging times and to make difficult decisions to ensure people are protected and investments are smart.
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Doors open at 9:00 am for optional buffet breakfast ($5 donation) and socializing. Presentation begins at 10:00 am.

If you can help with set-up, clean-up, and/or by bringing a breakfast casserole, please go to SignUpGenius HERE
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A Children's Program is available during the Speaker Meeting. Go to a separate Meetup to RSVP for your kids HERE.
**The children's room has been remodeled--check it out!**

Prefer to join us remotely?

1. Zoom Link: HERE
2. YOUTUBE: You can watch live (15 second delay), or you can watch later. LINK HERE

Need help? Email humanist@hsgp.org before the day of this meeting.

The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix presents its Sunday Speaker meetings twice a month on Sunday mornings. Meetings are free and open to the public.

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Thank you!