Shawn Griffiths
CHULA VISTA, CALIF. - Voters in Chula Vista are signaling strong support for election reform. A recent independent poll conducted by Competitive Edge Research & Communication and funded by the Independent Voter Project shows that nearly two-thirds of voters support the More Choice Voting measure, a proposed change that would give voters the ability to rank candidates and increase the number of candidates who advance to general elections.
But while support from the public is clear, the same can't be said of the city’s elected leadership.
One Mayor, Three Holdouts
Mayor John McCann, a Republican, is the only member of the Chula Vista City Council who has publicly supported More Choice Voting. In his comments during council discussion, he emphasized the need to provide voters with more options and to ensure fairer, more competitive elections.
The rest of the council, composed entirely of Democrats, has yet to back the reform. In fact, during the May 7, 2024, council meeting, members expressed skepticism and declined to advance the measure to the November 2024 ballot.
For instance, Councilmember Jose Preciado stated, “I have concerns about the complexity of implementing such a system and whether our voters are ready for it.”
Deputy Mayor Carolina Chavez added, “We need to ensure that any changes to our voting system are thoroughly vetted and understood by the community.”
Councilmember Michael Inzunza remarked, “While the intent is commendable, we must consider the potential confusion it may cause among our constituents.”
Councilmember Cesar Fernandez commented, “It's crucial that we prioritize clarity and accessibility in our electoral processes.”
A second companion staff report is available here, which includes additional background on the proposal and public comment summaries. The full agenda and minutes can be accessed via the Chula Vista City Clerk portal.
This lack of action is surprising given that the League of Women Voters of San Diego, a respected nonpartisan civic organization, endorsed the measure, calling it a way to “strengthen voter choice and reduce polarization.”
The Public Wants Action
Poll results show:
- 61% of likely voters would vote “yes” on the measure.
- Support rises to 68% among voters who’ve faced the “lesser-of-two-evils” dilemma.
- Nearly half of voters say they would be more inclined to vote for a candidate who supports the measure, while only 21% say they’d be less inclined.
The public sentiment is clear: voters want more choice, more voice, and more accountability. With local government trust on shaky ground, the question remains: will Chula Vista’s elected officials follow the voters’ lead?