Concerning the Use of Advanced Voting Methods, Such As Instant Runoff Voting (IRV),
That Allow Voters to Express Preferences on Multiple Candidates
HB07-1162 Advanced Voting Methods
House Sponsor: Representative John Kefalas
Senate Sponsor: Senator Ken Gordon
WHAT HB-1162 DOES:
Defines “advanced voting method” as a method that allows a voter to indicate a preference for more than one candidate in an election to determine the winner by majority vote.
Establishes a multi-partisan voter choice study group to examine advanced voting methods, and the requirements for implementation; presents a report to the General Assembly.
Directs the Secretary of State to select a specified number of political subdivisions for participation in a pilot project to conduct regularly scheduled elections for officers in 2009 using one or more qualified advanced voting methods.
Directs the Secretary of State to promulgate rules on the conduct of elections for state and federal offices to be held in the state in 2010 using a qualified advanced voting method.
WHY HB-1162 IS NECESSARY:
Majority rule is a fundamental principle of representative democracy, and the state’s election laws should uphold and facilitate this principle; many voters want this change.
The current plurality voting system allows candidates who receive less than 50% of the vote to take office; such a candidate may actually be opposed by the majority of voters.
Our state’s current voting methods limit electors’ choices and contributes to lower voter participation and satisfaction. Electors vote against their own values in order to defeat a candidate instead of voting for a candidate who represents those values.
It is in the public interest to examine Colorado’s voting systems and consider reforms that restore voter choice and participation, level the candidate playing field, address any concerns of the major political parties, save taxpayer dollars and increase accountability.
BENEFITS OF HB-1162:
Expands the range of choices available to voters by allowing them to vote for candidates of minor political parties or unaffiliated candidates without fear of “spoiling” the election.
Strengthens majority rule and preserves voters’ values while enriching the marketplace of ideas though greater third-party and independent participation in elections.
Reduces both election administration costs and campaign expenditures by potentially combining primary and general elections, should that be the direction Colorado takes.
Promotes positive campaigns that are focused on issues because candidates will seek to appeal to the opponents’ supporters as a second choice.
BACKGROUND:
Across America, Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) has been adopted in cities and counties such as San Francisco, Minneapolis and Burlington. Louisiana, South Carolina and Arkansas use IRV for overseas voters. Both North Carolina and Washington have statewide pilot programs. IRV legislation has been introduced in the Minnesota and Arkansas state legislatures.