STV Vote in Davis, California Nov 7
Antony Hodgson
Thought you'd be interested in knowing that there's going to be a vote
on using STV in Davis, California next Tuesday - see
http://davischoicevoting.org for details.
This is not technically a vote to adopt STV, but potentially to advise
city council that citizens wish to use STV; Davis would have to change
its city status or apply to the state for permission to actually use
STV. Nonetheless, it's an interesting test case and may well result in
an actual change. Apparently support is good (note the use of the term
'choice voting' rather than STV), partly based on positive experiences
with single-member STV (sometimes known as IRV - instant runoff voting)
in San Francisco.
Cheers,
Antony Hodgson
Antony Hodgson
STV. Polls there are very encouraging - those very familiar with STV
favour it 7:1 (sounds like the BCCA, doesn't it?). The biggest problem
there will be getting the 58% of voters unfamiliar with it educated in
time for next week's vote - also a problem BC had. Following some of
the links on the Minneapolis campaign's website
(www.betterballotcampaign.org) gives some interesting information about
survey results in Burlington VT, which now uses IRV to elect the mayor.
Generally, voters expressing a preference preferred IRV 4:1 over the
old system and overall were solidly in favour of using IRV for electing
the governor. Interestingly, there was a twofold difference in
preference by party - Republicans were markedly less interested in using
IRV, presumably because they have a Republican governor who could be
hurt by IRV.
Two other places - Oakland CA and Pierce County WA - will also have
referendums on IRV/STV next week. Keep an eye out for the results!
Cheers,
Antony Hodgson
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Minneapolis Better Ballot Campaign
This question will appear on the general election ballot on November 7,
2006:
A PROPOSAL TO USE INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING IN MINNEAPOLIS ELECTIONS
Should the City of Minneapolis adopt Single Transferable Vote, sometimes
known as Ranked Choice Voting or Instant Runoff Voting, as the method
for electing the Mayor, City Council, and members of the Park and
Recreation Board, Library Board, and Board of Estimate and Taxation
without a separate primary election and with ballot format and rules for
counting votes adopted by ordinance?
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Latest Poll
FairVote Minnesota conducted a poll to find out where we are at in
educating voters about Instant Runoff Voting. Here’s what we learned:
* 42% of voters already know about Instant Runoff Voting and the
more they know, the more they like it!
* Those somewhat familiar with IRV support it 2 to 1
* Those very familiar with IRV support it 7 to 1.
While this is encouraging for the prospects of the ballot measure, the
survey also showed a large number of likely voters who had not yet heard
about Instant Runoff Voting and were largely undecided on how they would
vote. Our efforts are focused on increasing voter awareness and
knowledge among undecided voters between now and November 7th.
Ecosource Paper Inc.
Oh, yes, the demand for changing the electoral systems in many US States is
coming on very strong.
For quite some time, my customers and potential customers in the USA do envy
the very provinces that have made preparation to change the electoral
systems over here.
Ever since my company has been exporting tree-free paper, all of those
interested represent people who care dearly for the environment and justice.
These targeted individuals, businesses and environmental organizations are
the strongest advocates for change, hence in particular along the West
Coast. I have heard so many complaints over and over as to how powerless
they feel and if possible a move to Canada would not be the last thing to
think about. There is growing concern about vote rigging and money involved
to buy an election.
This is just to say, good for those courageous people to fight the odds. And
good for Canada to have at least some hope for changes soon to come and to
show leadership by inspiring others down South to do the same.
Since my contacts in the USA are quite significant, I will try to find out
the mood down there. - I keep you posted.
Odette Kalman