Resolution: Instant Runoff Voting

WHEREAS, a growing number of statewide offices elected since 1998 have been decided by less than a majority of voters

WHEREAS, Instant Runoff Voting assures the winner is chosen by a majority of voters, in one election reducing the cost of a non partisan primary

WHEREAS Instant Runoff Voting has been shown to
increase voter participation through more available choices of candidates

THEREFORE, be it resolved that we endorse adoption of Instant Runoff Voting for state and local elections.

Short Speech

Instant Runoff Voting is fairer because it can handle multiple candidates. Votes go to second choices just as if we had a primary without the cost of a primary. As lower vote candidates votes roll to the next choices, we ensure that winner is truly the majority vote choice of all the voters. Instant Runoff Voting encourages more voter participation through more choices. Instant Runoff Voting is constitutional and supports the principle of “one-person, one vote”.

Background
Instant Runoff Voting has been endorsed by Fairvote Minnesota, the Minneapolis DFL, the Saint Paul DFL, the DFL Progressive Caucus, the DFL Feminist Caucus, several senate district party units, over two dozen DFL elected officers, and all of the DFL candidates running for US Senate (Mike Ciresi, Jim Cohen, Al Franken and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer)