Maryland & District of Columbia Region

Sunday, January 7, 2001

If you have any questions, contact Eric Olson at [email protected]  or by phone at: 301-270-4616.

Where:

The Mott House, 122 Maryland Ave., NE; Washington, DC (Equidistant from both Union Station and Capitol South Metro stations).  Only street parking available.

When:

Noon until 4 PM, this Sunday, January 7th.

Details:

There is no cost to attend the workshop.  Feel free to attend all or part of the workshop.

Agenda:

Noon - 1:15 Instant Runoff Voting, Proportional Representation, and Redistricting 101

Led by Dan Johnson-Weinberger and Eric Olson, Center for Voting and Democracy

This is the "basics" session.  We will explain the workings of these election systems, describe where they have been used in the United States and abroad, and discuss the advantages of these systems over our current plurality-based, and winner-take-all elections.  It will be geared primarily toward those who are first learning about alternative election systems, but will also serve as a refresher for others. 

1:30 - 2:30  Turning Theory into Practice

Led by Dan Johnson-Weinberger, National Field Director, Center for Voting and Democracy

This will be a "how to" discussion about the steps necessary for a successful local election reform movement.  It will address issues such as:

• Building a coalition - activists, good government groups, civil rights, third parties, major parties
• Groups and individuals to contact - elected officials, election administrators, etc.
• Compatibility and incompatibility of voting machines with advanced voting systems
• Points to make - letters to editor, media calls, testimony, etc.
• How to answer the usual questions
• Municipal campaigns
• State campaigns
• Examples of successes
• Resources

2:30 - 3:30 Opportunities for Voting Reform in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Region

Led by Eric Olson, Deputy Director, Center for Voting and Democracy

Including:

• Statewide and city possibilities
• Legislative bills
• Localities
• Congressional bills
• Organizing

3:30 - 4:00 Wrap-up with all Participants