FairVote has a clear vision of the way democracy will be, founded on a belief that democracy demands respect for every vote and every voice. We work with unyielding perseverance. We define and seize opportunities to move our proposals into the center of debate – and to achieve them with action. Please read some highlights from our 2008 reform work, as well as a preview of some of the exciting projects we are lining up for 2009 -- and as always, please consider supporting our vision of "the way democracy will be."
[The FairVote Transformation: 2008 Year in Review]
In an unprecedented decision, the US Court of Appeals upheld the district court’s remedial plan for cumulative voting in South Dakota. The case, Cottier v. City of
Martin (SD), resulted in the requirement of implementing cumulative voting for electing city council members- the first ever judicial imposition of a proportional voting system.
The lower court had found the City’s redistricting plan to dilute the Native
American vote and therefore violated Section 2 of the federal Voting Rights
Act. The initial suit was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on
behalf of two Native Americans against the City of Martin. According to the
2000 census, Native Americans were 44.7% of the total population constituting
36% of the voting age population. Since 1981, the city has elected only four
Native Americans winning a total of seven city council elections of 80
elections for city council (8.75%). To read the Court of Appeal’s decision
please visit: 