Heber City drops ranked choice voting for 2025 election after public pushback

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HEBER CITY, Utah – The Heber City Council has voted unanimously to end the use of ranked choice voting for the upcoming 2025 municipal election, choosing instead to return to the traditional voting system.

The city had previously used ranked choice voting in 2021 and 2023, but during the meeting councilmembers said the decision to switch back came largely in response to widespread public opposition. County officials said more than 300 emails were sent to city leaders ahead of the vote—many of them critical of the ranked choice system.

Councilmember Scott Phillips, who made the motion to discontinue ranked choice voting, said that while the system had benefits—like encouraging civility in campaigns and increasing engagement—it had also become a source of confusion and contention within the community.

Mayor Heidi Franco, a vocal opponent of the system, thanked the council for aligning their decision with the majority of public input. She said the additional cost of holding a primary election—estimated at more than $16,000—was a worthwhile investment to preserve voter confidence and clarity.

The council’s 5-0 vote means Heber will return to traditional ballots for the November election. A primary will be held if more than two candidates file to run for any of the three open seats—two on the City Council and the mayor’s seat.

The Park City Council voted unanimously in March to implement ranked choice voting for the city’s 2025 municipal elections.