From the Progressive Era forward, the benefit of at-large elections was argued to be that they:

Question

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At-large elections were believed to highlight reputation and expertise because candidates running for office were not limited to a specific geographic area, such as a ward or district. As a result, candidates were able to build their reputation and develop a base of support among voters throughout the entire jurisdiction. This was seen as beneficial because it allowed voters to select the most qualified candidates, regardless of their location within the jurisdiction.

From the Progressive Era Forward, the Benefit of At-Large Elections