Campus Media
Almost all campuses around the states have a student run paper or even a student run TV or radio program. Do not hesitate to contact these media outlets to get your message out.  Spreading the ‘word’ is often the most important part of a political campaign – especially a campaign centered on changing the political process!

Additionally, campus media are usually clamoring for student inspired movements or grassroot-esk activities. Championing worthy causes (which Choice Voting/STV certainly is) is not only beneficial and valuable experience for you as an organizer, but also for your campus media.

The Paper
Check out our section entitled Action Kit to get some useful tips on writing a letter or an op-ed for your campus newspaper. It also includes sample letters to get you started.

The Radio
If your school operates its own radio station be sure to get in contact with them. They may be able to invite you in to talk about STV. It will imperative that you know the ins and outs of your proposed reform. It will be helpful to go over the Additional Information section. This section will give you detailed information on Choice Voting/STV. The follow is a list of things you may want to research on this site before speaking on your campus radio:
  • What STV is
  • How it works (the voter-friendly version. It’s probably unnecessary to get into the semantics on how  the votes are calculated)
  • Why it’s applicable on your campus (do you have small groups of people that are not being         well-represented? Are some people winning by landslide majorities while others are only winning by a couple of percentage points?)
  • How STV solves these problems – (i.e. individuals get MORE choice (always a good thing) and MORE representation for each vote cast (also, always a good thing)).
Out of courtesy be sure to thank your radio station for having you on-air and dedicating time to this important issue.

TV/Video
As most people are visual learners, any campaigning you can accomplish through visual media is probably a great idea. If your school happens to have a ‘TV’ channel (whether they broadcast on the internet or otherwise) be sure to contact them. If you are invited to be on a program with them make sure to go over the same points as you would go over for a radio interview.
   
If your school does not have a TV station you may want to create a video that can be played in high traffic areas or even just before the start of class (if your professor is willing to accommodate this request).  Feel free to check out our videos for your campaign (either for ideas or for use). If you make a great STV video make sure to let FairVote know, we’d be happy to post your work on our website!

 
Recent Articles
October 19th 2009
A better election system
Lowell Sun

Election expert Doug Amy explains how choice voting can "inject new blood" into the elections of Lowell (MA), and give voters a greater incentive to participate.

October 16th 2009
Haven't Detroit voters spoken enough?
Livingston Daily

In Detroit, there have been three mayors in the past two years and the current one has come under scrutiny. Perhaps a system like instant runoff voting will help bring political stability to motor city.

August 21st 2009
Black candidate for Euclid school board to test new voting system
Cleveland Plain Dealer

Limited voting, a form of proportional voting, will be used in Euclid (OH), in the hopes of allowing better representation of minorities.

July 2nd 2009
Reforming Albany
New York Times

FairVote's Rob Richie responds in a letter to the editor making the case for proportional voting systems to bring substantive reform to New York's legislature.