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A new initiative could dramatically change how we vote, and who votes when. The initiative’s organizing group, Make All Votes Count DC, filed the proposal in May and are trying to get it on the ballot for next year.

🗳️ Wait, What’s Ranked Choice Voting?

The initiative could change how votes in D.C.’s elections are tallied starting in 2026. Ranked choice voting lets voters rank candidates in order of preference.

So, if no one wins the majority, the bottom contender is dropped and votes are recalculated using voters’ next choice. It keeps going until there’s a candidate with a majority of votes. The hope is this will encourage voters to choose candidates they really support, rather than the ones they think will win.

Ranked choice voting was previously introduced in 2021 but was shot down by the D.C. Democratic State Committee who said it was too confusing. It said that in New York, this system perpetuated inequality because voters in rich neighborhoods used all their votes, while those in lower-income areas didn’t.

To move forward, the campaign will have to get signatures from 5% of D.C.’s registered voters, in at least five of the eight wards. Then, all voters would get to weigh in during the 2024 general election. But the initiative’s got some powerful enemies, namely both the Democratic and Republican parties in D.C.

If the initiative passes, it would go into effect before the 2026 elections which include both the mayoral race and the chairman race.

But … it may not even get there. We talk with City Paper’s Alex Koma about who is for the initiative and who wants to stop it. 

How RCV Could Sway the 2026 Elections

What Ranked Choice Voting Could Mean For D.C.

Local Civics

Often dismissed for being purely residential, Bloomingdale is bustling with cozy neighborhood restaurants, basement bars, and community events. The small neighborhood flanked by 2nd Street NE and North Capitol Street NE is definitely one to put on your D.C. bucket list.

 cannot be beat. The vine-covered patio and cozy heat lamps make it D.C.’s most romantic coffee sipping spot. A couple blocks over on North Capitol Street NE is 

 which sells books and art and hosts regular community events. Don’t miss the turmeric ginger latte and vegan banana bread.

 landed a spot on the Washington Post food critic’s list of favorite restaurants this month for their dreamy homemade pastas. Grab a resy before it’s too late. 

 serves up some of the best jerk chicken in the city.

 in the 80s and remains the perfect place to bring your coffee and connect with friends. Cross North Capitol Street NE and browse the always peculiar 

 which has everything from records and furniture to used bikes.

 with a book. Or go downstairs to their retro speakeasy styled like your grandfather’s basement for creative cocktails and darts. For beer and shot combos, check out the dive bar 

Often dismissed for being purely residential, Bloomingdale is bustling with cozy neighborhood restaurants, basement bars, and community events. 

Get To Know: Bloomingdale 

Neighborhood Guides

It’s DC Cocktail Week! From now until Dec. 5, over 100 local restaurants will be offering a unique cocktail and bite pairing for cheap, as well as hosting special happy hours and tastings. Here are our 10 favorite deals.

This wafu restaurant is serving a 'Cotton Bird' cocktail with allspice dram, pineapple, and lime alongside a spicy tomato oil dip with warm pizza bread. ($18)

Pig Ear Cups served in butter lettuce wraps are paired with a ‘Smoke in the Air’ cocktail with bourbon, lemon juice, honey, and candied ginger. ($19)

Try the Apurkitto Sour made with apricot, absinthe, and lemon saline, paired with gyoza filled with mushroom, mustard greens, and kombu. ($18)

Get my favorite comfort food, the Irish Spice Bag, and any cocktail on the menu. ($28)

For the classy lads and ladies, ​​Lucy is pairing their espresso martini with any cannoli. ($20)

Get a Split King cocktail with tequila, passion fruit, cardamom, and Szechuan dust alongside your choice of soup dumplings. ($40)

Drinker’s choice. Get any featured cocktail and any of their Middle Eastern small plates like garlic fries, pita, or falafel. ($20)

A seasonal cider margarita and dreamy queso fundido await at this modern Mexican restaurant on Capitol Hill. ($20)

Grab a Tequila Anar and falafel or lamb pistachio meatballs with a pomegranate glaze. ($25)

This gin bar/speakeasy has the best cocktails in SE. They’re serving JR’s Banana Cocktail with crème de cacao alongside a dulce de leche brownie with gold leaf. ($23)

The 10 Best Spots For DC Cocktail Week 

Food & Drink

Nuts are abound and the squirrels are out with abandon. But if you are very lucky, you might happen upon a rare white squirrel. D.C. is one of the few places in the U.S. where they have been seen. We even have a “society” called the 

White squirrels have two types. The more common one is simply a genetic mutation of the gray squirrel. The other – true albino squirrels – are much less common. They are born with a 

. You will know it’s albino because of its pure white coat and red eyes.

The National Mall is home to at least four albino squirrels at the moment and is the easiest spot to see them. However, they have also been seen in NW D.C.

The albino gene is recessive. Plus, unfortunately for them, their white coat makes them stand out to predators as an easy-to-spot snack. This is why many live in more urban areas with fewer predators.

 to the Friends of the White Whale Society so we can all check it out!

Nuts are abound and the squirrels are out with abandon. But if you are very lucky, you might happen upon a rare white squirrel. D.C. is one of the few places in the U.S. where they have been seen.

Urban Almanac: The Mystery of the Albino Squirrels 

Urban Almanac

You can become a salsa master in D.C. without spending a dime. Our team has some salsa enthusiasts and shared their favorite spots that offer regular free salsa classes and social dancing for all levels. No partner or experience required; just bring your dancing shoes!

If you know nothing about salsa and want to learn the basics, Cafe Citron hosts a free class at 8 p.m., followed by hours of social dancing so you can practice with the pros. (Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.)

If you want to dance to live music, Bossa is your best bet, but it has a cash-only cover. They have drop-in classes once a month or social dancing daily. It’s best to go with a partner as it gets crowded and having someone to dance with ensures you get to stay on the dance floor! Also, try heading upstairs for more space and different music styles. (Every day, 5:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.)

If you don’t need lessons and are just looking for a spot to show off your moves, Casta’s always has salsa music on tap and a crowded dance floor. (Every day, 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.)

Not salsa exactly, but Sauf House hosts a Bachata night every Thursday that has good music, good people-watching, and friendly dancers. Plus, they do throw the occasional salsa song into the mix. Class starts at 8 p.m. but the dancing goes all night. (Thursday, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.)

You can become a salsa master in D.C. without spending a dime. Our team has some salsa enthusiasts and shared their favorite spots that offer regular free salsa classes and social dancing for all levels.

The Best Social Salsa Dancing Spots

DC's Best

Tomorrow night, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will light the National Christmas Tree, marking the official start of the District’s holiday season.

The annual holiday tradition dates back to 1923, when 

 lit up a 60-foot Douglas Fir from Vermont. While Coolidge may have lit the tree, the idea originated with Frederick Morris Feiker, an engineer from General Electric.

The Society for Electrical Development, an electrical industry trade group, wanted as many people as possible to use electric lighting during Christmas and thought the presidential ceremony would lend a certain caché to the idea.

, the 20s were seen as the tipping point. The percentage of homes with electricity rose from 35% in 1920 to 68% by the end of the decade.

The next year, Coolidge gave a speech criticizing cutting down trees for Christmas, so the first lady suggested planting a live tree for the ceremony instead (pictured above). The tree has been replaced several times in the last hundred years, with the current one 

While it’s too late to get tickets for this year’s lighting, you can 

, which will include big-name performers like Samara Joy and St. Vincent along with some great D.C. views.

From The Archives: Christmas Tree Lighting

DC History

Thanksgiving is over, which means the clock is ticking on those gifts. These local holiday markets are a great way to buy local, find heartfelt presents, and actually enjoy holiday shopping (jam-packed Macy’s are 

D.C.’s most iconic holiday market, this huge downtown fair has dozens of vendors selling housewares, art, food, hand-blown glass, and local trinkets. We are particularly huge fans of Migues Mini Donuts.

D.C.’s beloved lifestyle boutique is opening up its first holiday shop in the former Little Leaf space. Adorable drinkware sets, seafood-themed tin ornaments, lux wrapping paper, and festive candles sure to impress.

Find all the holiday-themed Metro merch you could possibly want, like ugly Christmas sweaters with the words “fa la la la la L’Enfant Plaza” or ornaments saying "Ho Ho Go." In the lobby of the MLK Library downtown. 

Grab hot mulled wine and bratwurst while browsing traditionally-styled German market stalls with all kinds of artwork, candles, jewelry, and games. (Costs $25 to enter.)

50+ local, small-scale makers gather in Heurich House’s back garden alongside food and drinks. Plus, check out their exhibit about the revival of the Christian Heurich Brewing Co.’s Senate Beer. (Costs $12 to enter.)

P.S. Stop by on Friday to say hello to me and the rest of the team!

This weekend-only market features different local artists all month, with everything from ceramics and sculpture to watercolor and wood turning.

While the main attraction here is the holiday light maze, they also have a shopping village with dozens of tiny storefronts that sell food and locally-made goods. (Costs $36 to enter)

 for you, from the best markets to limited holiday pop-ups.

Thanksgiving is over, which means the clock is ticking on those gifts. These local holiday markets are a great way to buy local, find heartfelt presents, and actually enjoy holiday shopping (jam-packed Macy’s are so 2006).

Explore DC’s Holiday Markets 

It seems like every time I open my phone, I see another restaurant closure announcement. Roofers Union, Crazy Aunt Helen’s, The Gibson, Spacycloud, and Bammy’s to name a few. Why does it seem like all D.C.’s best restaurants are shuttering at once?

Apparently, this is normal this time of year. David of the 

 X (formerly Twitter) account told us, “Closings typically cluster around this time of year because it's heading into slow season, so owners decide to cut their losses.” “That makes it feel like an unusual amount at once, which it is, but only compared to the rest of the year.”

While this may be a pattern, restaurants are also facing increased financial pressures this year, making matters worse. Increased crime means higher insurance rates. And crime has indirect effects, like people avoiding “dangerous” neighborhoods. On top of that, you have inflation and the phasing out of the tipped minimum wage.

Still, D.C. has a few new openings to get excited about.

Chef Enrique Limardo of Seven Reasons is opening a fancy all-day diner with dishes like a Swordfish Carpaccio and “Twisted Foot Long Hotdog,” as well as to-go pastries and sandwiches. Opening is set for December.

Two Uruguayan brothers opened this sleek ode to South American food on 18th Street NW with traditional meats charred over an open fire, oysters, and Patagonian shrimp. Also try the pickled eggplant with ricotta, truffle honey, sourdough breadcrumbs, and romesco sauce.

This new falafel joint right across from Atlantis has a basic but delicious menu of $11 falafel sandwiches and is open until 2 a.m. on weekends.

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