Voting in Cambridge's
Proportional Representation Elections

We elect our officials by Proportional Representation voting.

As a voter, you rank candidates, giving your #1 vote to the candidate you most want elected, #2 to your second choice, and so on.

You may vote down as far as you wish, and should vote as far as you have a preference. Your ballot counts only for one candidate (for each office), the highest ranked candidate who can win. In most cases that is your #1 choice.

You see the number “1” on most Cambridge campaign material because, to win, a candidate must receive a larger share of #1 votes.

There is no strategy to have your ballot elect more than one candidate – you should therefore be sure to give your #1 vote to the person you most want to elect. To elect Brian Murphy to the Cambridge City council, give him your #1 vote!

In Cambridge, we elect our officials by Proportional Representation voting. You rank candidates, giving your #1 vote to the candidate you most want elected, #2 to your second choice, and so on. You may vote down as far as you wish, and should vote as far as you have a preference. Your ballot counts only for one candidate (for each office), the highest ranked candidate who can win. In most cases that is your #1 choice.

Don’t take Brian Murphy’s re-election for granted! To win this year, Brian needs your #1 vote. There is no strategy to have your ballot elect more than one candidate. To elect Brian Murphy to the City Council, give him your #1 vote!