Burlington to elect mayor tomorrow by Instant Runoff Voting.

[madfloridian]

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/007568.html

Monday, March 06, 2006
"IRV Comes to Burlington
Tomorrow, the City of Burlington will choose a new mayor—a momentous occasion, not because of who fills the seat, but due to the method of voting. Burlington's newest mayor will be chosen by instant runoff vote (IRV), which allows voters to rank candidates, and offers a more accurate picture of citizens' choices.

One interesting side-effect of IRV seems to be the civility it has created between opponents. "In some instances, the race is not only civil but sickly sweet with several candidates openly saying a fellow candidate is their number two choice."



"The DFA community's own Jessica Falker commended the use of IRV in a recent letter to the editor in the Rutland Herald:

IRV will be used in this March's Burlington mayoral election. Following that election, the state Legislature will review the results and decide if they will pass IRV as a statewide voting system. Naturally, people in power are reluctant to change the system that got them where they are. However, IRV is what will give the people of Vermont the opportunity they deserve, the opportunity to vote for the candidate(s) of their choice. Please encourage your representative and senators to pass IRV."

[Sawkrates]

1. Yep, IRV gives voters a big incentive to be pleasant

As it can be extremely advantageous to be someone's second or third choice, it pays to be tolerable to a large cross section of voters.

[yourout]

2. IRV would make us a real Democracy.

Pukes and Beltway Dems will never allow it to go nation wide because they might lose power.