
LA Charter Reform Commission Considers Council Expansion, Proportional Ranked-Choice Voting, and Election Cost Savings
Nov 10, 2025
LA Charter Review Commission may recommend overhauling council elections with proportional ranked-choice voting, aiming for cost savings and fairer representation

The LA Charter Reform Commission is weighing a major shift: expanding the City Council and swapping out the current election system for proportional ranked-choice voting (PRCV). This reform could eliminate costly, low-turnout runoffs and make council races more competitive and inclusive, all while stretching public campaign funds further. With data showing nearly a third of candidates now need almost twice as much city matching funds when advancing to runoffs, switching to PRCV would consolidate elections into a single round—potentially saving millions, especially as council seats multiply. Reform advocates note that more candidates and races will stress the city’s campaign fund, but PRCV could streamline spending and keep public financing sustainable as the city grows.
Link to the full article: https://www.citywatchla.com/los-angeles/31789-la-charter-reform-commission-considers-council-expansion-proportional-ranked-choice-voting-and-election-cost-savings
