Ranked Choice Voting and Drag Queens: Kyle Herman’s Progressive Vision

Glass City Humanist

We engage in a compelling conversation with Kyle Herman, the newly elected city council member from Stow, Ohio. With a rich background that includes experiences in both national politics and international democracy promotion, Kyle shares his journey back to his hometown and the pivotal moments that inspired his decision to serve locally.

Kyle offers insight into his political career, which began with aspirations of becoming a diplomat. His current role on the city council represents a deeper commitment to encourage thoughtful governance and community engagement within Stow, especially as he highlights the importance of local issues like urban development, inclusivity, and environmental initiatives.

We examine Kyle's experience as an openly gay public official and discuss the significance of representation. He reflects on his campaign experience, recounting how the Stow community responded positively to his candidacy without making his sexuality the focal point of his platform. This perspective underscores the changing attitudes within his community and the importance of building bridges across demographics, especially for previously underrepresented groups.

One of the highlights of our discussion centers around Kyle's initiative to invite drag queens to the Stow Fourth of July parade. He candidly describes the intention behind this decision: to foster a sense of inclusivity and showcase Stow as a welcoming community. This moment of pride, however, does not come without its challenges, as Kyle reflects on the backlash and misunderstandings that surfaced after the event. He emphasizes the importance of standing up against intolerance and reinforcing the values of kindness and acceptance.

In addressing the legislative efforts to ban ranked choice voting and the mischaracterizations surrounding it, Kyle provides clarity about how this voting method works in practice. He highlights how instant runoff elections can lead to more representative outcomes, thereby reducing the polarization that often characterizes modern political landscapes. The goal is to create a system that encourages cooperation and reflects the will of the majority, rather than a divisive, winner-takes-all approach.

Kyle reflects on the interconnectedness of his varied experiences—from international diplomacy to local governance—and how they all align with his mission to defend democracy. He passionately encourages listeners who may feel disenfranchised to get involved, offering practical advice to find their own path into civic engagement.

Full Show Notes