Ranked Choice Voting

Instant Runoff Voting // Ranked Choice Voting
Instant Runoff Voting (IRV), also known as Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), is a ranked ballot method of voting that always results in winners chosen by a majority of the voters. On the ballot, voters rank the candidates in order of preference. Each voter has one vote which counts for the highest preferred candidate that can use it. Votes for defeated candidates are transferred to other candidates still in the race for each round of counting. It’s just like a series of runoff elections except that it is accomplished on one ballot – hence the term, “Instant Runoff Voting”. MPIRG has a long-standing history of working to promote and improve participation in the democratic process. We believe that IRV or RCV provides the opportunity for citizens to vote their hopes, not their worst fears.

Ranked Choice Voting in Minneapolis // Ranked Choice Voting was adopted by Minneapolis voters in 2006, winning with 65 percent of the vote, and will be used for the first time on November 3, 2009 municipal elections. MPIRG was active in the campaign to bring RCV to Minneapolis. Now, as we approach the first election where Minneapolis voters will get to use the new system, its time to learn how it will work.

MPIRG is working closely with FairVote Minnesota to provide educational opportunities. In turn, FairVote Minnesota is collaborating with the City of Minneapolis to educate voters, candidates and the media about Ranked Choice Voting ahead of the November election.

Volunteer

Contact info@fairvotemn.org

Help table at events
Host a house party
Conduct a demonstration RCV election
Join the RCV speakers bureau
Attend and provide your input on implementation at the Minneapolis Ranked Choice Voting Issues Group, the 3rd Thursday of the month (Aug 20, Sep 17, Oct 15) at 7:00 pm in room 132, City Hall, 350 S 5th St. Minneapolis. Contact Ona Keller, RCV@minneapolis.ci.mn.us

If you are an organization, there are many ways you can help. Click here to get started!

For questions, email info@fairvotemn.org

Resources

Why IRV?
information courtesy of FairVote Minnesota

The Problem with the Current Primary System

Most cities now use a two-round voting system where two winners emerge from primaries for a general election face-off. This supposedly ensures majority (50% + 1) winners, but it doesn't always work out that way. The problem is few voters show up for Round One, the Primary – undermining the majority-winner requirement. The primary can weed out candidates who could win in a high-turnout general election. The narrower candidate field limits post-primary political debate and causes some losing candidate supporters to sit out the general election.

The current two-round system also leads to negative campaigning, split votes amongst like-minded constituents, and disproportionate representation of voters.

Finally, the current system is costly and inconvenient – cities must administer two elections, candidates run for two elections, and voters go to the polls twice.

Why is Instant Runoff better than our current voting system?
In general, Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) is a better voting method than the current two-round – primary and general election – system in that it seeks to:

maximize voter participation and available choices of candidates
IRV eliminates low-turnout primaries and brings the most voters together with the most candidates to choose from at the same election. It also ensures that candidates will not be disqualified in primary elections who may otherwise win in a high turnout general election.

assure fairer and more accurate representation of the voters
IRV provides results that better reflect the voters’ intent. It also empowers voters to vote sincerely without being concerned about wasting their vote and, in turn, allows candidates to run on their issues and get an accurate tally of support.

eliminate the cost of the Primary and reduce the cost of campaigns
The city spends less money with only one election to administer and candidates spend less money with only one election to campaign for.

lead to more informative and positive campaigns
IRV invigorates campaigns and reduces polarization by bringing multiple viewpoints into the debate and it promotes positive, issue based campaigns.

For a concise summary discussion of the pros and cons of various voting systems, please review the Minnesota League of Women Voters Study on voting methods (PDF).

Information courtesy of FairVote Minnesota

Why IRV? information courtesy of FairVote Minnesota

Why IRV?
information courtesy of FairVote Minnesota