LA Times Spotlights IRV
Re " 'Instant runoff' voting sought," Sept. 24
"Instant runoff" voting (IRV) does more than save taxpayer dollars and
increase voter participation. By allowing voters to rank their first,
second and third choices, it frees people to vote for the candidates
they actually like, not just the lesser of two evils.
The spoiler effect was present in the 1992 and 2000 presidential
elections, when third-party candidates took votes from George H.W. Bush
and Al Gore, respectively. With IRV, voters won't have to worry about
harming their second-choice candidate, because their second choice will
be counted if their first choice is eliminated.
IRV allows people to vote with their conscience, not just the majority.
It also encourages more positive campaigning by candidates who want to
be the second choice of other candidates' supporters. It's an important
way to end wedge politics and negative campaigning. We've seen positive
results in other major cities.
In a city as diverse as Los Angeles, voters should be able to vote for
their favorite candidates. IRV creates an environment that gives a real
voice to every voter.
Kathay Feng
Los Angeles
The writer is the executive director of California Common Cause.
