[RP TownTalk] How to Avoid Run Off Elections

[Alan Thompson and Sarah Wayland]

[Sarah here, speaking only for myself]

When the "runoff to assure a majority vote" legislation was originally 
submitted, the author (Alan Thompson) strongly urged the council to 
consider adopting some form of Instant Runoff Voting at a later time.

There are a number of different forms of Instant Runoffs, any of which 
would help us avoid the current (bad) situation. Takoma Park's legislation 
looks like a great place to start.

My one concern regards complexity. We have voters who have a difficult 
time understanding the current ballot format. Example: In the last 
election, two ballots were thrown out because the voters put an X next to 
their favorite candidate and then signed on the "Write In Candidate" line.

I think people would get the idea if we work hard to educate them before 
they get to the polls, but it will be an effort.

Just a thought.

And please don't misunderstand me: I STRONGLY support allowing an instant 
runoff.

-Sarah