On January 30th, Takoma Park, MD, held its first IRV election since voters approved IRV with 84% of the vote in November 2005. Reuben Snipper was elected to fill the vacant city council seat in Ward 5. Voter turnout was strong, up 35% from the mayoral election in 2005. Voters demonstrated a good understanding of IRV, with 99.5% of voters casting valid ballots.

FairVote's exit poll suggests quality voter education played a key role in the excellent valid ballot rate, with 80% of respondents knowing before the election that they would be asked to rank candidates. The poll also found voters like IRV, with 88% supporting the use of IRV for at least some offices.

[ FairVote's post-election press release ]
[ Election and exit poll results ]
[ Takoma Park's IRV education video featuring FairVote's Rob Richie ]
[ Washington Post front-page MD metro story ]
[ Baltimore Chronicle story ]
[ Gazette.Net story ]