"The abysmal turnout for the New York City runoff election highlights the need for election reform. I carry legislation (S.3584), also sponsored by Assemblymember Kavanagh, which would enable, but not require, localities to establish an instant runoff election system.
Runoffs are extremely costly and only a tiny fraction of voters participate. In September we had a runoff for Comptroller and Public Advocate in which only 7% of the registered Democrat voters went to the polls but for which the City spent over 15 million dollars. And in both cases, the winners of the initial primary were the winners of the runoff. And in fact, the City would have had to spend 15 million even if there was only one runoff seat, instead of two. By passing my legislation New York will be able to use an instant runoff system in which, if someone doesn't garner a majority of the vote, the second choice votes will be selected at the same time on the same day. This will let everyone know the outcome of the “instant runoff” that day, saving taxpayers millions of dollars and ensuring that candidates with the maximum turnout of primary voters are elected.
Instant runoff voting gives voters the option to rank candidates according to the order of their choice. The first choice marked on each ballot shall be counted initially by election officials. If one candidate receives a majority of the first choice votes cast, excluding blank and void ballots, that candidate shall be declared elected. If no candidate obtains a majority of first choice votes, then the candidate receiving the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated. Each vote cast for the eliminated candidate shall be transferred to the candidate who was the voter's next choice on the ballot. If at this time one candidate had a majority of the vote they would be declared the winner; if not, then the process would repeat, with the lowest vote-getter again being eliminated until one candidate had the necessary percentage for victory.
There are several potential benefits to the instant runoff voting method. First, voters are free to mark their ballot for the candidate they truly prefer without fear that their choice will help elect their least preferred candidate. Second, it ensures that the elected candidate has true majority support. In addition, the instant runoff voting method should promote higher voter turnout, and encourage positive campaigning, because candidates will seek second-choice and third-choice votes from voters and will therefore be less likely to attack other candidates and alienate voters who support other candidates as their first choice. In situations in which runoffs are already required, it will eliminate the need for a second runoff election, with its increased costs and lower voter turnout.
Passing this bill is common sense. Localities should have a choice as to whether or not they want to save millions of wasted dollars which are needed for far more important purposes. Furthermore, it is a pilot program so if it is successful – which I expect it to be – then we can continue the option. But if it isn’t, then it will sunset at the end of 2012. Since the State and City are moving to paper ballots with optical scanners as the new voting machine technology, it will not be complicated to change to this multiple choice voting system."
I agree with the State Senator's suggestion. What do you think?
Michael H. Drucker
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