Resolution on Instant Runoff Voting
November 4, 1999
Whereas Instant Runoff Voting is a voting system that produces a
majority winner in a single election, saving up to $1 million per
election cycle; and
Whereas Instant Runoff Voting will maximize labor voter turnout
around one election, instead of having to mobilize voters and turn
out the vote over two elections (Often, voter turnout decreases in
the December runoff, and voter turnout has decreased in four out of
the last five mayoral runoffs); and
Whereas Instant Runoff Voting will help labor-backed candidates
who don't have the campaign war chest to campaign in two elections;
and
Whereas Instant Runoff Voting eliminates the need for December
runoffs, freeing up taxpayer money that could be used for other
purposes, like AIDS prevention, the homeless, education, parks, a
livable wage, raises for city employees, etc.; and
Whereas Instant Runoff Voting will make campaigning easier for
labor-backed candidates, since they will only have to campaign once
and raise funds once; and
Whereas Instant Runoff Voting will reduce negative campaigning
and promote coalition building, since candidates will seek 2nd and
3rd choice votes from opponents� supporters, giving them incentive
to stick to the issues and build coalitions;
Therefore, be it resolved that Local _____ endorse the instant
runoff voting legislation before the Board of Supervisors, and
Be it further resolved that Local _____ send a letter to the
members of the Board of Supervisors urging them to vote on November
15, 1999 to place this issue on the ballot for the voters to decide. |