On March 2, 2004, voters in Berkeley (CA) voted 72%-28% to authorize instant runoff voting (IRV) for city elections, with more than 20,000 people voting yes. The high-profile campaign had vigorous opposition, and the strong affirmative vote sends a mandate for implementing IRV as soon as possible. A companion ballot measure to preserve runoffs, but lower the winning threshold from 45% to 40%, won only 55% of the vote.
To learn more about the campaign for IRV in Berkeley, check out:
Pro-IRV commentary from the League of Women Voters
