The Problem with the Current Primary System

Most cities now use a two-round voting system where two winners emerge from primaries for a general election face-off. This supposedly ensures majority (50% + 1) winners, but it doesn't always work out that way.  The problem is few voters show up for Round One, the Primary – undermining the majority-winner requirement. The primary can weed out candidates who could win in a high-turnout general election. The narrower candidate field limits post-primary political debate and causes some losing candidate supporters to sit out the general election.

The current two-round system also leads to negative campaigning, split votes amongst like-minded constituents, and disproportionate representation of voters.

Finally, the current system is costly and inconvenient – cities must administer two elections, candidates run for two elections, and voters go to the polls twice.

Why is Instant Runoff better than our current voting system?
In general, Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) is a better voting method than the current two-round – primary and general election – system in that it seeks to:

• maximize voter participation and available choices of candidates
  IRV eliminates low-turnout primaries and brings the most voters together with the most candidates to choose from at the same election. It also ensures that candidates will not be disqualified in primary elections who may otherwise win in a high turnout general election.

• assure fairer and more accurate representation of the voters
  IRV provides results that better reflect the voters’ intent. It also empowers voters to vote sincerely without being concerned about wasting their vote and, in turn, allows candidates to run on their issues and get an accurate tally of support.

• eliminate the cost of the Primary and reduce the cost of campaigns
  The city spends less money with only one election to administer and candidates spend less money with only one election to campaign for.

• lead to more informative and positive campaigns
  IRV invigorates campaigns and reduces polarization by bringing multiple viewpoints into the debate and it promotes positive, issue based campaigns.