Introduction. Committee Members

Section 1. Executive Summary

Section 2. Recommendations

Section 3. The Problem IRV Solves

Section 4. Discussion:

1. Vermont's voting system is broken, and needs fixing
   Chart 1. Vermont Elections with No Majority Winner
2. How Vermont's Voting System has Changed
3. How IRV would work in Vermont
4. IRV promotes majority rule in single-seat elections
5. IRV could increase voter participation
6. IRV promotes government stability
7. IRV encourages sincere voting rather than disingenuous tactical voting
8. IRV reduces the number of "wasted" votes
9. IRV more accurately reflects each voter�s will
10. IRV encourages civility and less negative campaigning
11. IRV is simple for voters to use
12. IRV ballot design
13. IRV will not create any increased burdens for local polling officials
14. IRV and polling place efficiency
15. IRV will not generally delay election results
16. IRV treats all voters equally and does not give extra clout to some
17. IRV accommodates more candidates without vote splintering
18. IRV does not favor or hurt any particular group
19. IRV would add no significant cost to running elections
20. The variety of runoff voting procedures
21. IRV is superior to two-round runoff elections
22. IRV can comply with Vermont�s Constitution
23. IRV faces no obstacle from federal laws or the federal constitution

Section 5. Areas for further study

• Appendix A. House Resolution 37
• Appendix B. Summary of H.665, 1998 IRV Bill
• Appendix C. History of Vermont Voting Systems
• Appendix D. The History of Vermont Elections Without a Majority
  Part 1. Election of State Officers
  Part 2. Election of U.S. Congressional Representatives.

Conclusion

• Appendix E. History of Instant Runoff Voting.
• Appendix F. Mock IRV Elections in Vermont Schools
  Chart 2. Mock IRV Election Evaluation Results
• Appendix G. Sample IRV ballots.

Glossary of Terms