Dean discusses Instant Runoff Voting.

[madfloridian]

In his latest book, "You Have the Power", he tells about his choice of voting methods. I have never fully understood IRV, and he does a good job here.
Just short snips, or you won't buy the book.

SNIP..."Had we used instant runoff voting in 2000, most Nader supporters would have gone to the polls and voted for Ralph Nader first and Al Gore second. Since Nader.....wouldn't have finished in one of the top two slots, Al Gore would have been the beneficiary of roughly 60% of his (Nader's) votes....(Most of Pat Buchanan's votes would have gone to President Bush.}" END SNIP

This is interesting. In Florida in 2000 Nader got 97,488 votes and Buchanan got 17,488 votes, many of which were from the Jewish community in South Florida, which were very suspect on Theresa's butterfly ballots.

He further says IRV would "encourage candidates to hold a firm set of principles without worrying that their beliefs could make them unviable. It would allow people to vote for candidates they really want......thereby increasing both enthusiasm and turnout."

[toymachines]

1. thats one of the best ideas i have ever heard

too bad that would never happen because i could see that definetly favoring the liberals. and oh boy the repugs wouldnt like that.

[AllegroRondo]

2. I believe they already do this in some California municipal elections

one of the interesting side effects, candidates joining together for fund raisers or events.

Rather than sling mud, candidates would get together to host events. They try to present themselves as good alternate choices for each others' core voters. "Even if you're voting for my opponent, consider me for your second choice"

[BlueEyedSon]

4. San Fran? nt

[BlueEyedSon]

3. Much much more here

http://www.instantrunoff.com/
http://www.fairvote.org/irv/