IRV on the Ballot in November
In addition to the looming presidential election, there are some important IRV ballot initiatives that will be decided on November 4. Cincinnati (OH), Memphis (TN), Telluride (CO), and Albany (CA) will all have the chance to advance democracy. Fun videos below . . .
Update: See Bob’s comment below for information on a home rule petition in Davis, California that would enable it to use Choice Voting and an additional note about the ordinance in Albany, California. Thanks, Bob!
In Cincinnati, the NAACP and Better Ballot Cincinnati are working hard proportional representation via Choice Voting for their 9-member at-large city council. If passed, Cincinnati would become the second city in the United States to use Choice Voting for their legislative body — the other being our neighbor, Cambridge. Here’s their ad for the ballot question:
In Memphis, Better Ballot Memphis is urging voters to vote yes to a charter amendment that would enact IRV for elections of all city offices, including their Mayor and 13 City Councilors. Here’s their ad:
Not to be left out, voters in Telluride, Colorado will be deciding on a city ordinance that would enact IRV for their mayoral races. Another initiative in Albany, California would require either IRV or a runoff for their mayoral election. Stay tuned . . .
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October 23rd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Another ballot measure related to IRV and choice voting is the proposed home rule charter in Davis, California. Under California law, only charter cities can adopt ranked voting methods. Two years ago, the city supported choice voting 55% to 45% in an advisory measure. This charter proposal is the result.
A minor footnote on the Albany ballot measure: the main issue is whether to have an elected mayor (like many California cities, Albany currently has a mostly ceremonial mayor chosen by the city council from its own ranks). Given that neighboring Berkeley and Oakland are committed to implementing IRV soon, it seems highly probable that Albany would choose IRV rather than an expensive runoff election.