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About IRV
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What is Instant Runoff Voting?
Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) is a simple voting method used to select a
single winner from a list of two or more candidates. By collecting more
meaningful information from voters, it gives them a greater power of
choice and measures their will more accurately. Invented in the United
States, this method has been used in Australia and Ireland for many decades.
How does it work?
IRV allows voters to rank the candidates they find acceptable. To
determine the winner, voters' first choices are counted. Votes for the
last-place candidate are reallocated to the second choices on their
respective ballots, and this process is repeated until someone has a majority.
Instant Runoff Voting is better than plurality elections because:
- IRV ensures majority rule.
- IRV eliminates the "spoiler" problem.
"Spoiler" candidates or "split votes" would no longer threaten major
candidates. The Nader-vs.-Gore and Perot-vs.-Bush dilemmas would not have
existed with IRV.
- IRV promotes positive campaigns.
With more candidates, and a need to get 2nd- and 3rd-choice votes,
attack ads will not pay off.
- IRV boosts voter turnout.
Experience has shown that turnout increases when voters have more
choices.
- IRV makes votes count.
IRV increases the likelihood that one's vote will help elect a winner,
making voting more meaningful.
IRV is also better than "two-round" runoff or primary elections
because:
- IRV saves money.
Election officials and taxpayers don’t have to foot the bill for a
second election.
- IRV saves time.
Voters do not lose work or family time voting a second election.
- IRV is decisive.
Voters are not let down by an inconclusive first election.
- IRV makes campaigning easier.
With IRV, candidates don’t have to raise money for two races.
- IRV is more accurate.
IRV effectively has one round for every candidate, measuring voters'
will more accurately and carefully. The decisive election occurs when
voter turnout is highest, further boosting the accuracy and legitimacy of
the election.
But...
- Won't IRV require expensive equipment upgrades?
IRV requires compatible equipment. It need not be expensive.
Many California counties already plan to upgrade their equipment, and
the legislature is likely to approve $300 million
for this with or without IRV.
- Is IRV too confusing for voters?
Where IRV has been adopted, it has endured for decades, so voters are
comfortable with it. IRV is as easy as 1-2-3. Anyone can understand the counting
procedure after a small effort.
- Does IRV upset the existing power structure?
No, because it still relies on single-winner majority votes.
The balance of power between parties and between incumbents and
challengers remains about the same. IRV simply measures voters' will more accurately.
Let's make our elections more accurate, fair and
legitimate.
Let's bring Instant Runoff Voting to California!
These sources provide a wealth of information about IRV:
