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In this edition:
DC Council Endorsements
Down-ballot Races
Initiative 83
How to Vote
Election Day will soon be here, and Opportunity DC is pleased to announce our endorsements for two DC Council races on the November ballot. We conducted a thorough endorsement process, including questionnaires and interviews, to evaluate candidates’ alignment with our coalition’s priorities of equitable economic growth, safer communities, and investments in education, housing, and workforce development.
We encourage you to vote for these pragmatic leaders who will move the District forward:
Ward 2: Councilmember Brooke Pinto
Since her election in 2020, Councilmember Pinto has demonstrated outstanding leadership for both her ward and the District. She acted on concerns about crime from residents and business owners and spearheaded the Secure DC public safety package, which strengthened accountability for criminals and law enforcement. She also championed the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act, which streamlines business licensing and reduces obstacles to entrepreneurship. Councilmember Pinto also advocates for fiscal discipline, a crucial stance when some District leaders support tax increases that harm DC’s ability to attract and retain residents and businesses.
Ward 7: Wendell Felder
Wendell Felder possesses a practical vision for a vibrant Ward 7. Felder's background in city government, healthcare, and higher education, combined with his experience as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, has given him a deep understanding of the relationship between the business community and government in fostering a strong and equitable economy. His plan to expand DC's police cadet program will enhance public safety. Felder will build on Councilmember Vincent Gray’s legacy of improving the quality of life for residents in Ward 7 and across the District.
Other Local Elections:
Although Opportunity DC is not making endorsements in other contests on this year’s ballot, we encourage voters to learn about all of the candidates on their ballots, including those running for the State Board of Education and Advisory Neighborhood Commission. You can find a sample ballot from the DC Board of Elections here.
Initiative 83: Semi-Open Primaries and Ranked-Choice Voting
Initiative 83, on the ballot this November, proposes two significant changes to DC's election system:
Semi-open primaries would allow independent voters to participate in party primaries. To win under this new system, candidates would need to appeal to a broader range of voters, beyond their political party’s most ardent base. This could lead to more pragmatic candidates being nominated in party primaries and potentially to more competitive general election contests.
Ranked-choice voting would allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference and require that candidates receive at least 50% of votes to win. Proponents argue that this system would lead to more consensus-building and reduce negative campaigning. However, critics express concerns about voter confusion, particularly in at-large races where the top two candidates are elected. The DC Council would need to appropriate funds to implement this new system, if the initiative passes.
While Opportunity DC is not taking a position on Initiative 83, we believe that informed participation in our democracy is critical. You can learn more about Initiative 83 here and how ranked-choice voting works here.
Your Vote Matters
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and your vote is crucial in shaping the future of the District. Vote by mail or in person. Visit the DC Board of Elections website for polling locations, sample ballots, and other voting information.
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