Testimony of
Matt Gravatt, Executive Committee Member
Sierra Club District of Columbia Chapter
Budget Oversight Hearing on the Board of Elections
Committee on Executive Administration and Labor
June 6, 2025
Councilmember Bonds, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony for this hearing on the Board of Elections.
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In DC, we represent about 7,000 residents across all eight wards. For over 30 years, the DC Chapter has rallied our community, led with expertise, and backed bold leaders to protect DC’s land, air, water, and wildlife. We champion justice—for people and the planet—and push for bold climate and energy solutions. And we help people from all walks of life get outside and experience the wonder of nature.
Sierra Club’s position is unequivocal: confronting the climate crisis and advancing environmental justice require a strong democracy and good governance.
In 2024, Sierra Club endorsed Initiative 83 to improve DC’s local democracy with ranked-choice voting, which requires that candidates earn a majority of votes to be elected.
Ranked-choice voting empowers voters to elect leaders who truly reflect the will of the majority, ensuring that those in office are accountable to all their constituents, not just a select few. Initiative 83 means more inclusive and representative elections, helping DC elect leaders who are committed to tackling urgent environmental challenges, promoting clean energy, and protecting our natural resources for future generations.
Many states and cities across the country have successfully implemented ranked-choice voting, including Alaska, Maine, New York City, Arlington, and Takoma Park. These jurisdictions have seen improvements in voter participation, reduced negative campaigning, and more diverse candidates being elected.
Sierra Club strongly supports Initiative 83 and urges this Committee and the Council to provide necessary funding to the Board of Elections to fully and faithfully implement Initiative 83 in 2026.
DC voters clearly instructed this Council and the DC Government on this matter. A 73% supermajority of District voters supported Initiative 83, including a majority in every precinct and supermajorities in every Ward.
The Council must honor the will of the people to ensure a more open and democratic system.