Instant Runoff Elections for Special Elections

Instant Runoff Elections for Special Elections

Adopt instant runoff voting in all Special Elections held to fill federal, state, and municipal governing body vacancies (HB 1792, SB 637)

Summary

Currently, when a vacancy occurs there is no party primary. All individuals running for the position, regardless of party affiliation, appear on a single ballot in a Special Election. If there are many candidates, as often occurs, frequently no candidate receives a majority of the votes. A runoff election must be held at a future date between the top two candidates. Historically, voter turnout for separate runoff elections is low. Therefore, the two candidates that are in the runoff, and the ultimate winner, may be elected with marginal voter support. 

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