THE SCOOP: IRV FOR TEXAS
Source: Rank the Vote
On November 5th, the grassroots campaigns for Ranked Choice Voting were very successful in several cities, as shown above.
In Washington, DC, 73% of the voters approved semi-open primaries (allowing unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary) and ranked choice voting.
In Illinois, RCV won 79% support in Oak Park and passed a resolution calling for statewide RCV in Peoria with 67% support.
In Bloomington, Minnesota voters fended off an attempt to repeal RCV with 51% of the vote.
SPOTLIGHT:
Progress Is Rarely Linear
As far as the larger statewide ballot initiatives, the status quo provided a strong push back. The people in power promoted the idea that new voting systems (which include RCV) would hurt their side and help the other. As a result, ballot measures to implement RCV lost in Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Oregon. The ballot measure to keep RCV in Alaska is still a close call, with absentee ballots continuing to arrive until November 20.
IRV for Texas will continue the work to educate, organize and campaign to eliminate costly, low-turnout runoff elections in Texas. We are turning our attention to the 89th Texas legislative session, which begins in January. We know this will be a multi-year effort. We are in this for the long haul. Please join us in our efforts!
In Some Districts,
the Election
Was Not Over
on November 5th
The Secretary of State has designated Saturday, December 14, 2024 as the election date for all runoff elections. These are the elections we want to eliminate. IRV is most popular in local jurisdictions. We want to target legislators who represent districts that are engaged in these costly elections.
DO YOU vote in a district that will hold a runoff election this December? IRV for Texas would like to hear from you.
Send Your Response Here
In our October newsletter we featured several ways you can get involved.
1) Get To Know Your Legislator Program
Instant Runoff Voting for Texas is working to build a strong local foundation of support and awareness around Instant Runoff Voting and starting to facilitate conversations between constituents and local and state officials. Join us!
2) Charter Review Process
Is your city or town convening a Charter Review Commission in 2025 or 2026?
We need to hear from you! Why do we want to know? To eliminate runoff elections in Texas, we need to change the Texas Election Code. We need more jurisdictions, especially more conservative leaning ones, to propose through their charter review process a trigger ordinance to allow instant runoff elections in their nonpartisan municipal elections.
This will show the legislature there is demand to use it. It would be great to have your help. We'll show you how.
3) Legislative Action
During the 2025 legislative session, constituents are encouraged to visit the capital to advocate directly with our representatives during committee meetings that are discussing Instant Runoff legislation. Your voice matters!
What We Are Reading
Statement: Ranked Choice Voting on Election Day 2024 - FairVote
Ranked choice voting won majority support in cities but the status quo won at the state level. This article explains how the future remains bright for ranked choice voting.
A graphical explainer for ranked-choice voting - Reuters
This article explains ranked choice voting with detailed graphics.
SGA expands ranked choice voting to include Miss Auburn and Miss Homecoming - The Auburn Plainsman
The expansion of the ranked choice voting system is meant to streamline the Miss Auburn and Miss Homecoming election processes; create healthier interactions between campaigners and students; and lessen the effects of more confrontational campaign tactics.
If you haven't yet, follow us on social media. You can find us anywhere:
We need your help!
Leading the charge for better elections in Texas through our grassroots campaign requires resources and help from committed supporters like you. $5 or $25 dollars makes a difference.
Please help bring instant runoff voting to Texas by donating today!
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Instant Runoff Voting for Texas
https://www.irvfortexas.org/
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