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The Votebeat team is working on a project that explains how ranked choice voting works, so to get some real data to work with, we decided to ask readers to vote in a plurality election and a ranked choice election — with our staff’s pets as candidates.
As part of this election, we have nine candidates. You can peruse their photos and bios below.
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And now, the candidates, listed in alphabetical order:
Casper
Casper was saved from being let out on the street as a kitten where, as a deaf cat, he surely wouldn’t have lasted long. This struggle inspired him to run for public office. Casper is pro naps and anti leaving you alone while you work.
— Carter Walker, Votebeat Pennsylvania reporter
Honey
In a previous life, Honey was a human supermodel. She has not forgotten. It’s in your best interest to not forget that, either. The FBI’s file on Honey is deeply redacted and at least 18 inches thick. She’s rumored to have invented gravity, the nuclear bomb, and chocolate chip cookies.
— Hayley Harding, Votebeat Michigan reporter
Luna
I’m Luna, but my humans call me Lunita, Lulu, Looney Tunes, Puppy Chula, and the list goes on. I’m a confident, 5-year-old miniature pinscher weighing in at 10.5 lbs. You got a problem? I’ll solve it! My humans tell me that I’m at the advanced level of puzzles.
— Elaine Cromie, Civic News Company photo editor
Midnight
Midnight is a former pro-athlete and intends to bring the dedication he learned in competitive fetch to serving his community. He takes a strong stance against the Spotted Lantern Fly, and squashes them whenever he can. In his spare time, he enjoys stealing your milk when you’re not looking.
— Carter Walker, Votebeat Pennsylvania reporter
Miklo
I survived being stuck inside the motor of a car. I’ve got a scar to show it. I fear nothing. Bring on the water guns. I can fly high, and one day I will get the string hanging from that thing that goes round and round on the ceiling.
— Natalia Contreras, Votebeat Texas reporter
Porfirio
I am named after one of the most influential, feared, and complicated leaders in Latin America. I was rescued from the streets of Corpus Christi last fall. I was my mom’s only baby and we were both very happy together until she — for whatever reason — decided I needed a brother.
— Natalia Contreras, Votebeat Texas reporter
Puff
Every single day Puff has is the best day he’s ever had, in no small part because Puff has never had a thought on purpose. His hobbies include sprinting full speed across the floor and then crashing directly into the wall.
— Hayley Harding, Votebeat Michigan reporter
Samson
Rescued from the streets of Michigan, Samson is a certified velcro cat and a Great Looking Man. He loves tuna and hates his owners leaving. He’s probably a father. He has lived in four states and once escaped into backcountry Wyoming — legend has it he returned holding an eagle’s talon.
— Alexander Shur, Votebeat Wisconsin reporter
Walter
Walter is an 11-pound rescue dog and part-time pooch, full-time mooch. Known for his sparkly cowboy hat and needy charm, he commands attention despite being almost entirely silent. With an Instagram following and a flair for drama, Walter is living proof that wolves didn’t evolve into whatever this is.
— Jessica Huseman, Votebeat editorial director
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