The City of Irvine has prepared a Staff Report in advance of the next City Council meeting estimating the costs associated with implementing Ranked Choice Voting. According to the Staff Report, initial costs for 2028 would be 2-3 times the cost of a plurality election (roughly $337,000-$400,000) and potentially as high as 4 times higher. That would increase the costs of an Irvine election to up to $1.6 million. Long term costs would double or triple as compared to current costs for plurality elections. All of these costs would be borne directly by the City of Irvine.

The proposal was originally made by Councilwomen Kathleen Treseder, Betty Martinez Franco and Melinda Liu. Interestingly, all are up for re-election this November and all are expected to face extremely competitive opponents. Insiders have accused them of trying to manipulate Irvine’s voting system for their own preservation. Additionally, City Hall insiders have noted that Kathleen Treseder has made many comments about the City being in an alleged fiscal emergency and calling for a reduction of Irvine Staff and expense, yet doesn’t seem to have the same fiscal restraint when it comes to Ranked Choice Voting.