Electoral System
Reform In the News 2002
Full representation (also known as
proportional representation, or "PR") and instant runoff voting
(IRV) have received steadily increasing media attention in the last
decade. Following are some of the best articles and commentaries.
Bangor Daily News: (ME) "Maine:
Instant Runoff Voting Lets Democracy Thrive." Commentary in favor of
instant runoff voting. December 30, 2002
The Bay Guardian: (CA) "Bye,
December runoffs." Commentary by CVD's Steven Hill, followed by Bay
Guardian editorial urging City to move forward in implementing
instant runoff voting in 2003.December 25, 2002
St. Petersburg Times: (FL) "The case
for runoffs." Editorial urging adoption of instant runoff voting for
both primary and general elections in Florida. December 18, 2002
Santa Monica Mirror: (CA)
"Healthy Next Steps for Democracy in Santa Monica ��� Part II."
Commentary in favor of choice voting form of full representation by
Santa Monica City Councilmember Michael Feinstein. December 18,
2002
Associated Press: (VT) "Groups
still calling for instant runoff." Vermont PIRG executive director
Paul Burns explains benefits of instant runoff voting in the context
of 2002 elections. December 17, 2002
Rutland Herald: (VT) "Group states
case for instant runoff." Report of Voter's Choice Coalition press
conference launching instant runoff voting petition. December 17,
2002
WCAX-TV
Burlington: (VT) "Election reform group pushes
again for new voting system." Governor-elect Jim Douglas comments on
instant runoff voting drive. December 17, 2002
Duluth News Tribune: (MN) " Duluth voters might elect next mayor in a new way."
City Council President Donny Ness speaks out in favor of instant
runoff voting in primary elections. December 17, 2002
Palm
Beach Post: "Let voters express will through
instant runoffs." Editorial recommends instant runoff voting as part
of FL election overhaul. December 14, 2002
Rutland Herald: (VT) "Keeping
elections democratic." Commentary in favor of instant runoff voting
by League of Women Voters leader. December 11, 2002
Metrowest Daily News: (MA) "Proposed
Voting System is Exercise in Free Speech." 2002 Green Party
Gubernatorial nominee Jill Stein discusses how instant runoff voting
would have effected election. December 10,
2002.
San Francisco Examiner: "Goodbye to
December runoffs." Commentary in favor of instant runoff voting by
CVD's Steven Hill. December 11, 2002
Asian Week: "Lott, Landrieu, and the
Politics of Race." Commentary in favor of full representation by
columnist Phil Nash. December 9, 2002
The
UC Davis California Aggie: "Petition for new
campus election methods finished." Green Party at UC Davis advocates
for choice voting. December 06, 2002
USA Today: "Election Day replay poses
avoidable problems." Nation's largest circulation newspaper comes
out for instant runoff voting. November 29, 2002
Lansing State Journal: (MI)"Green
Party a thorn in side of Democrats." November 28, 2002
Daily Standard: "Letters." Two
letters on third parties, the spoiler problem, and the instant
runoff voting solution. November 25, 2002
San Francisco Examiner: (CA) "Instant
runoffs for the future." November 25, 2002
New York Times: "Two parties won't
do." Compilation of citizen commentaries defending election reforms
and third-party activity. November 23, 2002.
Wisconsin State
Journal: (WI) ���I want my IRV.��� November 21, 2002
Tacoma News Tribune: (WA)
"Winner-take-all 2-party system restricts political debate."
Commentary by John Burbank of the Economic Opportunity Institute.
November 20, 2002
Lansing State Journal: (MI) "Judicial
elections marred by money, negative ads." John Gear advocates
instant runoff voting and public financing for judicial elections.
November 19, 2002
Duluth News Tribune: (MN) "Majority
should rule in elections." FairVote Minnesota chairman Tony Solgard
illustrates the benefits instant runoff voting could have for
Minnesota elections. November 19, 2002
Business Week: "Instant Runoff
Voting: An Idea Whose Time Has Come." Letter by co-president of
Californians for Electoral Reform. November 18, 2002
The Oregonian: (OR) "Ron Bell: True
representation in a democracy." Author suggests a form of
proportional representation that is worthy of debate, if not
support. November 18, 2002
Salon.com: "Why the Greens are also
celebrating Election '02." Discussion of Green Party and the midterm
elections includes instant runoff voting. November 18, 2002
Burlington Free Press: (VT) "New
voting methods can help Vt." Author Bill McKibben recounts his
experiences with ranked ballots and what instant runoff voting can
do for Vermont. November 16, 2002
Yale
Magazine: Review of "Fixing Elections: The
Failure of America's Winner Take All Politics." Yale alumnus David
Baker's favorable review of CVD Senior Analyst Steven Hill's new
book. November 2002
New
York Times: "Ruining the House." Commentary on
non-competitive House races and the need for non-partisan
redistricting. November 13, 2002
Duluth Budgeteer News: (MN) "Duluth
may consider instant runoff voting." November 13th, 2002
Minneapolis Star-Tribune: (MN)
"Instant runoff: It's a better way to vote." Minnesota's
largest newspaper strongly endorses instant runoff voting. November
12, 2002
Los Angeles Times: "Letters."
November 11, 2002.
Morning News: (AR) "Group Issues
Legislative Agenda." An Arkansas coalition announces instant runoff
voting as a priority for legislative action on voting reform.
November 11, 2002
The Decatur Daily: "Instant runoff
voting." November 11, 2002.
Baltimore Sun:
"'Just Elections' - Democracy's Mechanics." Review of new book
by a well-known philosopher that touts cumulative voting. November
10, 2002
Washington Post: "Broken Democracy."
A critique of partisan redistricting that cites CVD's statistics on
lack of competition in House races. November 10, 2002
Los
Angeles Times: "'Safe Seats' Cheat the Voters."
Editorial calls for immediate redrawing of legislative districts.
November 10, 2002
ABC-22
News: (VT) "Lawmakers Consider Amendment." Story
from Vermont news channel features quote on instant runoff voting
from Governor Howard Dean. November 8, 2002
Oakland Tribune: (CA)
"Green candidate plays down strong level of support." November 07,
2002
Los
Angeles Times: "Demography vs. Democracy: Young
people feel left out of the political process." Commentary from
CVD's Steven Hill and Rashad Robinson. Versions of this piece ran in
Wiretap, on Alternet and elsewhere. November 5, 2002
Wall
Street Journal: "The Gerrymandered Democrats."
Strong editorial endorsement of reforming redistricting process.
November 5, 2002
Wired News: "Watch the Vote on
VoteWatch." CVD's Rashad Robinson is quoted in this piece on the new
VoteWatch website. November 5, 2002
New
York Times: "America Votes Today. Will You?" A
letter about Election Day and our "winner take all" system from
CVD's Steven Hill. November 5, 2002
Arianna Online: "Election 2002: Hold
Your Nose, Vote, Then Fight For Reform." Arianna Huffington
advocates for various reforms, including instant runoff voting.
November 4, 2002
Free
Lance-Star: (VA) "Get Your Election Results
Here!" CVD's Steven Hill and Rob Richie on the predictability of
this year's elections. November 3, 2002
Newsday: (NY) "Politics, Incumbency
Style: They've got fame, funds, friends, and voters get no choice."
Columnist Rosanna Perotti discusses proportional representation as a
solution to monopoly politics. November 3, 2002
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "When
elections are questionable, so is democratic process." Columnist
Gene Collier discusses electoral reform prospects, with quotes from
CVD's Rob Richie. November 3, 2002
Houston Chronicle: (TX) "Get your
election results here: 99.8% accurate." CVD's Steven Hill and Rob
Richie on the predictability of this year's elections. November 3,
2002
San
Jose Mercury News: (CA) "Why state has few real
races for House: Redistricting, Deals Entrench Incumbents." CVD's
Rob Richie is quoted. November 2, 2002
Hampshire Gazette: (MA) "O'Brien
fuels local political scene." instant runoff voting is discussed in
the context of local elections and third parties. November 2, 2002
Manitowoc Herald News: (WI) "Is it
���election��� or ���re-election��� day?" Looks at Wisconsin's
incumbents and references Monopoly Politics. November 2, 2002
Science News: "Election Selection Are
we using the worst voting procedure?" A mathematical analysis of
plurality and ranked ballot voting systems and their implications.
CVD representatives are quoted. November 2, 2002
Knoxville Sun-Sentinel: (TN) "Issues
important to youths often not important to politicians." CVD's
Rashad Robinson quoted in article that appeared in numerous
newspapers. November 1, 2002
Rockford Register Star: (IL)
"Anderson ���made a real difference��� The former presidential candidate
returns to Lincoln Middle School to receive an award." November
1,2002
TomPaine.com: "Election Reform
Finally Limps Into Port." Steven Hill's analysis of the federal
election reform bill. October 31, 2002
Birmingham News: (AL) "Time for Real
Choices, Not Echoes." A critique of winner-take-all elections from
CVD Chair John B. Anderson. Commentary ran in several additional
newspapers. October 31, 2002
United Press International: "New
voting law just a start, say experts." Review of federal election
reform bill features quotes from CVD's Rob Richie about proportional
representation. October 31, 2002
Stevens Point Journal: (WI) "Obey a
virtual 'shoo-in' Nov. 5." Gannet news article appeared in several
Wisconsin newspapers. It cites CVD's Monopoly Politics. October 30,
2002
USA Today: "More than
ever, incumbents in driver's seat." CVD's Rob Richie quoted in Page
1 analysis of how redistricting protects incumbents. October 30,
2002
Christian Science Monitor:
"Voting technology: Will the chads still hang?"
CVD's Rashad Robinson is quoted. October 30, 2002
New
York Times: "Cure for Low
Turnout." Letter by CVD Chair John B. Anderson. October 29,
2002
Charlotte Observer: (NC) "Many
potential candidates ask: Why bother?" CVD's Rashad Robinson is
quoted in this piece about incumbents, safe districts, and negative
politics. October 29, 2002
Reuters: "Election Turnout Drops;
U.S. Too Busy to Vote." CVD's Rob Richie is quoted in this national
wire story. October 29, 2002
Newsday: (NY) "Better Voting System."
A New York letter-writer discusses instant runoff voting in relation
to the state's gubernatorial race. October 28, 2002
Cincinnati Enquirer: (OH) "GOP House
members snug in incumbency." CVD's Rob Richie quoted in article on
non-competitive House races. October 28, 2002
Boston Globe: (MA) "Clock ticking for
O'Brien." Columnist critiques gubernatorial debates and suggests
instant runoff voting. October 27, 2002
Charlotte Observer: (NC) "Election
results easy to predict." CVD's Steven Hill and Rob Richie explain
how redistricting and winner-take-all elections limit voters and
democracy. Versions of this column appeared in several newspapers.
October 25, 2002
New
York Times: Letter to the editor discusses
instant runoff voting and California's gubernatorial
race. October 21, 2002
Washington Times: "House
election focus local." CVD's Rob Richie is quoted in this article
about the significance of smaller, local issues in this election.
October 21, 2002
Los
Angeles Daily News: (CA) "Reapportionment deal
makes elections a moot point." CVD's Rob Richie is quoted. Article
appeared in several California newspapers. October 20, 2002
Seattle Times: (WA) "Election 2002:
Why so many races lack competition." The Times' chief
political reporter fingers redistricting and regional division for
non-competitiveness. October 13, 2002
Boston Globe: "Redistricting
aids incumbents, but hurts minorities." CVD's Rob Richie quoted in
article on redistricting. October 13, 2002
Miami
Herald: (FL)"Police to aid in Nov. 5
election." CVD's Rashad Robinson is quoted in this piece about use
of police to help deal with Election Day problems. October 13, 2002
Center for Public Justice
Newsletter: The Center for Public Justice's
latest newsletter has a special series on democracy, featuring
articles in favor of proportional representation and instant runoff
voting. Fourth Quarter 2002
Bennington Banner: (VT) "State
elections need to be reformed." League of Women Voters of
Vermont President Marge Gaskins urges the legislature to
make instant runoff voting a priority. October 11, 2002
Daily Hampshire Gazette:
(MA) "Amherst to consider runoff system." October 11, 2002
San Francisco Chronicle: "None
of the Above: Voters dissatisfied with Davis and Simon do have other
options." Jonathan Curiel on how the California gubernatorial
race illustrates the need for systemic reforms such as instant
runoff voting. October 6, 2002
Associated Press: (VT)
"Governor addresses Legislature vote." Gov. Howard Dean advocates
instant runoff voting for Vermont statewide elections. October 6,
2002.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: (OH)
"Voters are electing to stay home." Cleveland Plain Dealer
columnist touts Steven Hill's "Fixing Elections." October 6, 2002
Rocky
Mountain News: (CO) "It's time, alas, to
get rid of the caucus system." Editorial in favor of ballot measure
also suggests use of instant runoff voting. October 4, 2002
Minneapolis Star Tribune: (MN)
"A sign that Minnesota might be ready at last for instant runoff
voting." Commentary by former Star Tribune publisher and statewide
candidate. October 3, 2002
Deseret News: (UT)"Matheson's No. 1 ���
on vulnerability list." Article cites CVD's Monopoly Politics
report. October 2, 2002
Brookline
TAB: (MA) "Electoral Yawns." Article
calling for instant runoff voting. September 26, 2002.
Tallahassee Democrat: (FL): "Florida
isn't alone: Democracy's infrastructure is decrepit." CVD's Steven
Hill and Rob Richie look at the state of American democracy and what
we can do to better it. September 26, 2002
Topsail
Voice: (NC) "Improved Runoffs Needed in North
Carolina." Letter makes case for instant runoff voting in
North Carolina. September 23, 2002
St. Paul Pioneer Press: (MN) "Instant
runoff voting can give us majority rule in a four-party state."
Piece illustrating the benefits instant runoff voting could provide
for Minnesota politics and elections. September 19, 2002
New
York Times: "Formulas for a Clean Election." A
letter to the editor from CVD's Vice-Chair Matthew Cossolotto.
September 19, 2002
ElectionLine.org: "Latest Florida
Turmoil Holds Some Lessons for Other Places Debuting New Electronic
Systems." Article takes a look at how states are preparing for use
of new voting machines. September 19, 2002
Boston Globe: "Let's try
instant runoff voting." Letter by Mass VOTE Chairman advocating for
use of instant runoff voting. September 17, 2002
Seattle Times: "A way to
motivate America's 'orphaned voters.'" Author discusses Fixing
Elections and the sensibility of alternatives to our current
winner-take-all system. September 16, 2002
Durham Herald-Sun: "We vote only
to confirm the inevitable." Commentary on redistricting and how it
limits the power of our votes. September 13, 2002
Associated Press:
"Finger-pointing in Florida, talk of recount and worries about
November elections." Report on Election Day problems in Florida,
with quote from CVD's Rob Richie. September 12, 2002
Atlanta
Journal-Constitution: (GA) "Election
runoffs tradition in South."Piece about history of and problems
with runoffs in Georgia, with quote on instant runoff voting
from CVD's Rob Richie. September 9, 2002
Birmingham News: (AL) "What if
they gave an election and no one came?" Commentary on runoffs
in Alabama and the benefits of instant runoff voting.
September 1, 2002
Rhode
Island Newspapers: "Should the Winner Have
a Majority Vote?" Letter discusses instant runoff voting and the
Rhode Island Democratic Gubernatorial primary and quotes CVD's Rob
Richie. September 2002
Richmond Times-Dispatch: (VA)
"A New Kind of Election." Discussion of leaders elected without
majority support and instant runoff voting. August 27, 2002
Washington Post: "Ideas
Industry" column. Two items about Alaska's vote on instant runoff
voting. August 27, 2002 and September 3, 2002.
Electionline.org:
"IRV Supporters Say Partisanship Sunk Alaska Ballot Measure." August
29, 2002
MSNBC.com: "Voters reject instant
runoff system." August 28, 2002
Anchorage Daily News:
(AK) "Runoff proposal defeated 2-1 in primary." August
28, 2002:
Richmond
Times-Dispatch: (VA) "A New Kind of
Election." Discussion of leaders elected without majority
support and instant runoff voting. August 27, 2002
Common Sense:
Commentator Paul Jacob focuses on instant runoff
voting in his "Common Sense" radio message. "Better Voting?" August
26, 2002
Juneau Empire: (AK) Editorial in
support of instant runoff voting ballot measure in Alaska. "Instant
runoff voting pros outweigh cons." August 25, 2002
Anchorage Daily News: (AK)
"Instant runoff ballots work, mates." Australian political scientist
discusses success of instant runoff voting in his home country and
addresses Alaskans' concerns. August 24, 2002
Associated Press: "Alaska
Voters Mull Instant Runoff." August 24, 2002
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: (AK)
"Measure 1 gives voters more choices." Former Republican National
Committeeman and Green Party leader make case for instant runoff
voting. August 21, 2002
Anchorage Daily News: (AK)
Kenneth Jacobus and Jim Sykes advocate instant runoff voting.
"Ballot Measure 1 restores choice." August 14, 2002
Honolulu Advertiser: (HI)
Article describing virtues of different electoral reforms including
choice voting, instant runoff voting, and cumulative voting.
"Election Day options studied." August 12, 2002
New
Yorker: "Framed Up: What the Constitution gets
wrong." CVD's Hendrik Hertzberg evaluates Robert Dahl's new book and
his critique of our democracy. July 26, 2002
Metro
West Daily News:(MA) Commentary supporting
instant runoff voting for Massachusetts. "Rader: Support for
instant run-off voting." July 23, 2002
Anchorage Daily News:
(AK) Article that spotlights unusual alliance between Greens
and Republicans in instant runoff voting fight in Alaska, with
comments from CVD's Steven Hill. "Initiative creates odd allies."
July 22, 2002
Juneau Empire: (AK) News article
on instant runoff voting campaign in Alaska. "Ballot measure could
change way Alaska elects officials." July 19, 2002
Star Tribune: (MN) Editorial by
Minnesota's biggest newspapers advocates instant runoff voting.
"Galling Garst/Sham campaign is really stinky." July 19, 2002
TomPaine.com: Commentary about the
Green Party's challenge to Wellstone in Minnesota and instant runoff
voting. "The Greens Versus Wellstone...Or, Handing The Senate Back
To Trent Lott." July 17, 2002
New
York Times: "New York democracy."CVD Executive
Director Rob Richie's letter to the editor about redistricting. July
14, 2002
CommonDreams.org: CVD's Steven Hill
and Robert Richie explain how redistricting limits voters' choices
and is used to protect incumbent politicans from being defeated for
re-election. "Redistricting Makes Losers of Us All." July 8,
2002
Portland Press Herald: (ME)
Commentary in support of instant runoff voting. "Instant runoff
elections would guarantee majority votes." July 5, 2002
Amarillo Globe-News: (TX) Article
about proportional representation in Amarillo, Texas. "District
is in vanguard of reform." July 5, 2002
Anchorage Daily News:
"Instant runoff: Alaska voters to decide change in electoral
system." June 5, 2002
Star Tribune: (MN)Article about
third party candidates in Minnesota. "Will Voters Ever Again Settle
for 2 Choices?" June 27, 2002
Wall Street
Journal: Article about how congressional
redistricting is used to protect incumbents from both parties.
"House Incumbents Tap Census, Software to Get a Lock on Seats." June
19, 2002
The Olympian: (WA) Article about
instant runoff voting initative in Washington State. "New
voting method gains popularity." June 16, 2002
Press
Democrat: (CA) Article about the results of
cumulative voting in Santa Rosa and elsewhere, including commentary
from CVD's Caleb Kleppner. "Santa Rosa vote plan: How it works
elsewhere." June 11, 2002
Anchorage Daily News: (AK) "Instant
runoff: Alaska voters to decide change in electoral system." June 5,
2002
Future Hope Column: (NJ) NJ Green
Party candidate for US Senate says progressives must set up
organization for Democrats who support instant runoff voting.
"Democrats for IRV?" June 4, 2002
Progressive Populist: Article about
Greens campaign in Minnesota race and Green endorsement of
Proportional Representation and instant runoff voting "Winning the
Next War" June 1, 2002
Daily
Hampshire Gazette: (MA) Letter to the editor
endorsing instant runoff voting. "Election reform critical to
democracy." June 2002
Los
Angeles Daily News: (CA) "City OKs studying
S.F. 'instant runoff voting.'" May 29, 2002
Press Democrat: (CA) "Santa
Rosa panel keeps cumulative vote plan." May 29, 2002
The
Political Standard: The journal of the Alliance
for Better Campaigns covers instant runoff voting-"Here���s A Way To
Vote for Every Candidate on the Ballot." May 2002.
Amarillo Globe-News: (TX) "Cumulative
vote results." May 12, 2002
New Jersey Star-Ledger: Editorial
endorsing instant runoff voting. "A way around runoffs." May
11, 2002
The
Nation: Jim Hightower reports on the successes
and promises of instant runoff voting. "Let's Go IRV!" May 10,
2002
Missoulian: (MT) Sponsors of
instant runoff voting in Montana withdraw initiative.
"Advocate drops drive for 'instant runoff' initiative." May 8,
2002
Deseret News: (UT) Preferential
voting comes to Utah and has a substantive impact on local
elections. "Utah GOP alters vote method." May 8, 2002
The
Nation: Article detailing the impact of
cumulative voting in Texas."A Voting Reform That Works Is
Transforming Texas." May 7, 2002
Prince George's Journal: (MD)
CVD's Eric Olson explains how local elections in Prince George's
County, Maryland could be improved through instant runoff
voting. "Instant runoffs could reform costly special
elections." May 7, 2002
Fort-Worth Star Telegram: (TX)
CVD's Rob Richie and Steven Hill on why "France's Problem Is Its
Electoral System." May 5, 2002
Amarillo Globe-News: (TX)
Results of Amarillo School Board Election using cumulative
voting. "Two first-timers join AISD board." May 5, 2002
Washington Times: Article ascribes
right-wing populist victory in France to flaws in voting system,
with commentary by CVD's Rob Richie. "Le Pen's triumph based
on electoral flaws." April 29, 2002
Decatur Herald and Review: (IL)
Article on attempts to bring cumulative voting back to
Illinois. "Cumulative Voting Gets Second Look." April 28,
2002
Amarillo Globe-News: (TX) Article on
upcoming election using cumulative voting. "AISD election
again eyes cumulative voting outcome." April 28, 2002
The Economist: Article explaining how
many redistricting plans amount to politicans choosing their voters,
not the other way around. "How to Rig an Election." April 25,
2002
Anchorage Daily News: (AK) Local
newspaper's endorsement of instant runoff voting. "Long,
Hard Look Needed On . . . Instant runoffs." April 24, 2002
Christian Science
Monitor: Article weighs the advantages and
disadvantages of instant runoff voting. "Instant Runoffs? Go
Slow." April 17, 2002
Time: Article explaining how
Instant Runoff Voting works and where it is being used.
"Making Second-Place Votes Count." April 15, 2002
Progressive Populist: Labor lawyer
Nathan Newman offers up instant runoff voting as solution to
"spoiler" problem. "Instant Runoff Voting: Solving the Nader
Dilemma." April 15, 2002
Rockford Register-Star: (IL) CVD's John
Anderson discusses the opportunities for systemic reform-"The Road
to Electoral Reform is open." April 14, 2002
San
Antonio Express-News: (TX) An article on the use
of cumulative voting in San Antonio's Navarro district school board
elections-"Some vote 3 times, legally." April 12, 2002
Atlanta
Journal-Constitution: CVD Executive
Director Robert Ritchie and Georgia Common Cause president
Robert Pastor explain virtues of instant runoff voting in
editorial. "Save time, money with instant runoffs." April 11,
2002
The
Intelligencer: (PA) Story on Pennsylvania
redistricting that includes commentary by CVD's Eric Olson-"Court
overturns redistricting." April 9, 2002
The
Diamondback: (MD) University of Maryland Student
Government Association implements instant runoff voting."SGA passes
bill to eliminate repeat of last year's marathon elections." April
8, 2002
Amarillo Globe-News: (TX) Editorial stresses that turnout is key for
success of cumulative voting in Amarillo. "Cumulative vote set
for 2nd act." April 7, 2002
ElectionLine.org: "IRV Makes
Gains Nationwide After Strong March Performance." April 5, 2002
Boston Globe: (MA) Mickey
Edwards article promoting the use of runoffs, especially instant
runoffs, in Massachusetts elections. "Making Mass. elections
more democratic." March 30, 2002
Richmond Times:(VA) Mark Rush
discusses problems of state representative redistricting in
Virginia. "The Brooding Tensions in Redistricting Law." March 28,
2002
South
Florida Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale):
Editorial board discusses the virtues of instant runoff
voting. "Majority Would Really Rule." March 25, 2002
New
Yorker: CVD Board Member Hendrik Hertzberg
discusses instant runoff voting's relevance to Hollywood and the
upcoming Academy Awards. "Best Picture." March 25, 2002
Pasadena Star-News: (CA) William
Pietz article answers Frequently Asked Questions about instant
runoff voting. "Technology offers a better way to vote: IRV can save
money, effect better representation." March 21, 2002
Michael Lind Explains instant runoff voting on WNYC-New
York: Hear New America Foundation's Michael Lind
on Brian Lehrer's nationally syndicated radio program billed as
"Just Add Water, And Stir! Instant Runoff Voting Sweeps The Nation."
March 20, 2002
Chicago Sun Times: Commentary on
voter turnout and Illinois elections-"Apathy's all in the family."
March 20, 2002
Portland Press Herald: (ME) Jack
Beaudoin explains why Maine needs instant runoff voting-"District 27
special election highlights current system's flaws." March 20,
2002
Washington Post: Commentary by
Michael Lind and Ted Halstead spotlighting the virtues of instant
runoff voting. "How the Majority Can Rule." March 19, 2002
New York Times: "As Easy as 1, 2, 3?
San Franciscans Will Rank Candidates for 'Instant Runoffs.'" March
19, 2002
Associated Press: "San Francisco OKs
Instant Runoffs." March 18, 2002
Burlington Free Press: (VT)
Commentary in support of instant runoff voting from chairwoman of
the Vermont Commission to Study Preference Voting. "Time has
come for IRV reform." March 17, 2002
Rockford Register-Star: (IL)
This editorial laments the loss of cumulative voting in
Illinois-"Pat Quinn's 'reform' made Legislature worse." March 17,
2002
New York Times: Article about using
approval voting to choose Oscar winners. "French Twist:
A Fair Way to Pick Oscars?" March 17, 2002
Los Angeles Times: Article about San
Francisco ending local runoff elections. "San Francisco to Drop
Local Runoff Elections Ballots." March 14, 2002
Daily Herald: (IL) Article exposing
the fallacy of having elections where winners don't get a majority
of the vote. "Just because majority of voters hate you, it
doesn't mean you can't win." March 14, 2002
Trenton Times: (NJ) CVD
Executive Director explains instant runoff voting at Princeton
University. "Voting system expert backs 'instant runoff.'"
March 14, 2002
Burlington Free
Press: (VT) Editorial that highlights
virtues of instant runoff voting while stressing the need for more
education about instant runoff voting. "Democratic Runoff."
March 13, 2002
Trenton Times: (NJ) Editorial
endorsing instant runoff voting for New Jersey elections. "A
Better Voting System." March 12, 2002
Rutland Herald: (VT) Article
about how 51 of 54 Vermont towns considering non-binding referenda
on instant runoff voting approved the measure. "Runoff backers
tout poll." March 11, 2002
The
Caledonian-Record: (VT) Ellie Dixon
commentary endorsing instant runoff voting. "'Yes' to Instant
Runoff Voting." March 11, 2002
Rutland Herald: (VT)
Editorial endorsing instant runoff voting in Vermont. "Instant
Solution." March 10, 2002
Vermont Associated Press:
Deb Markowitz endorses instant runoff voting. "Secretary of
State lends support to instant runoff elections." March 10, 2002
Santa Fe New Mexican: (NM) Diana
Kim (in opinion piece) makes the case for instant runoff voting for
local elections in New Mexico. "Election over; time for a
better next one." March 8, 2002
San Francisco Chronicle: Ilene
Lelchuk discusses about how despite passage of instant runoff voting
in San Francisco, the city may not have the technical equipment
needed to implement the new law by election 2002. "Run-In Over
Runoffs." March 7, 2002
The Nation: John Nichols calls
attention to the numerous election reforms that have passed in
California since Election 2000, including instant runoff
voting. "Wave of Election Reform Hits California." March 6,
2002
Los
Angeles Times: Robert Hilburn makes the case
for ranked ballots as a better way to choose Grammy
winners-"It's Time to Nominate a New System." February 28, 2002
Burlington Free Press: (VT)
President of League of Women Voters in Vermont endorses instant
runoff voting for state elections (including governor).
"'Instant runoff' presents fair solution for voters." February 28,
2002
San Francisco
Chronicle: (CA) Article on San
Francisco Proposition A and how Instant Runoff Voting may help
increase turnout even in areas with low literacy rates.
"Instant-runoff could lure more voters." February 22, 2002
Baltimore Sun: (MD) CVD's Eric Olson
co-authored this piece on voting rights for ex-felons and pending
legislation in the Maryland Assembly-"Reintegrate ex-cons by
restoring voting rights." Eric C. Olson and Marvin Cheatham,
February 17, 2002
Roll Call: CVD's Chair John
Anderson is featured in Roll Call's "Life After Congress"
column-"Still Independent-Minded: One-time Presidential Candidate
Continues Push for Multiparty System." February 14, 2002
Lansing State Journal: (MI) John Gear
proposes multi-member districts as a solution to Michigan's term
limits debate-"Don't rehash term limits, be creative." February 15,
2002
American Prospect: Brief article on
instant runoff voting and San Francisco's Proposition A-"Instant
Ideas." February 25, 2002
San Francisco Chronicle: Laurel
Wellman wonders if instant runoff voting can overcome the apathy and
cynicism of San Francisco voters-"A proposition to end apathy, if
anyone cares." February 14, 2002
Seattle Times: (WA) Article about
the possiblities for cumulative voting in Seattle-"The
in-between election system Seattle needs." James Vesely, January 20,
2002
The Hill: Second article in a
two-part series on state legislators who use their influence to draw
congressional districts suited to their own campaigns for
Congress-"State lawmakers carve out their own districts." Allison
Stevens, January 23, 2002
Cleveland Plain Dealer: (OH) Tom
Brazaitis suggests multi-member districts as a remedy in this
critique of the redistricting process-"Our unduly selected
representatives." January 13, 2002
Christian Science Monitor: CVD's Rob
Richie and Steven Hill describe the abuses of power that the
redistricting process evokes-"Redistricting abuses voter trust."
January 7, 2002
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