PROPOSAL NUMBER: 001-07

1. Date proposed 1/23/07. Sponsor: Legislative Committee (Tanya Ishikawa, Charlie Green) and Denver Green, Rick VanWie

2. TITLE:
Green Party Endorsement and Organizing Efforts for House Bill 07-1162 "The Voter Choice Act" of 2007

A pdf of the bill is here.

3. FULL PROPOSAL:
The Green Party endorses House Bill 07-1162 "The Voter Choice Act" of 2007. This bill is a step forward for democracy in Colorado in that for the first time the state government will explore the use of advanced voting methods, including Instant Runoff Voting. The Green Party will assist in promotion of this bill with the intent of helping it become state law.

The Green Party Council will appoint a committee of five Greens from across Colorado to organize the party's efforts. The Committee will consist of two members from the Western Slope/High Country, two members from the Front Range NOT from the Denver metro area and one member from the Denver metro area. The Committee shall be charged with organizing out reach efforts to promote the passage of the Voter Choice Act.

4. BACKGROUND:
Newly elected state representative John Kefalas (D) from House District 52 has recently submitted HB 07-1162. Green Party members Holli Kopp, Eric Fried and Rick VanWie have assisted Mr. Kefalas in his efforts to create this bill.

The Voter Choice Act will create a study group to investigate implementation of a pilot program for "advanced voting methods" including Instant Runoff Voting. If the bill becomes law, then the State of Colorado will commission a panel of 13 people, including two from minor parties, that will work to investigate how our democracy can move forward. They will report their recommendations to the Legislature in January of 2008. Based upon the recommendations of the panel, major election reform may occur.

5. Justification/Goals:
Although Colorado is a national leader in recognizing third parties, these "minor" parties remain at an electoral disadvantage. Due to the nature of the plurality system currently in use, voters will always be faced with the possibility that voting for a candidate they support the most could result in the election of a candidate he/she supports the least. This reality causes voters to choose candidate who do not fully represent their politics: in sum, both liberal and conservative voters compromise their values in the voting booth. If this bill becomes law, it may change the political landscape in Colorado so that third parties have a better chance at winning elections, and voter values are preserved.

• 1. If bill becomes law, the Green Party plays a major role in helping to expand democracy in Colorado. If it does not, then the Green Party plays a part in beginning of "conversation" on improving our democracy.
• 2. Green Party members become skilled and knowledgeable regarding the legislative process.
• 3. Green Party members become better known to their state Representatives and Senators.
• 4. A Green Party member could be appointed to the Group.
• 5. The Green Party could grow as a result of organizing.

7. Cons:

• 1. Green Party reveals its inability to organize and lack of resources by NOT being able to mobilize in support of the bill, despite endorsement.

8. Estimate of Fiscal Impact:
The fiscal impact would be determined by Council upon submission of a request for expenditures. This would most likely occur if organizers felt that financial assistance was necessary in order to promote the bill.

9. Alternative to the Proposal: No official endorsement, but individual Greens are encouraged to support and promote the bill.

Legislative Committee Vote results:
Charlie Green: Support
Tanya Ishikawa: Support