Creates a pilot program to provide for an instant runoff voting method to be used in up to ten local governments for two years

5 Co-sponsors

• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Shirley L. Huntley
• Bill Perkins
• Diane J. Savino
• Daniel L. Squadron

Title of bill

An act to create a pilot program to test an instant runoff voting method of elections and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

This act would permit the use of the instant runoff voting method on a trial basis in certain local elections in years 2011 and 2012. This pilot program would permit the State Legislature to evaluate the broader application of the instant runoff voting method to elections in New York State.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Legislative Findings Section 2. Definitions Section 3. Pilot Program Section 4. Ballot features and designs Section 5. Procedures for determining a winner using IRV method Section 6. Voter Education Section 7. Construal Section 8. Severability Section 9. Effective Date

Justification

The current system of voting often results in the election of a candidate who does not have the majority support of the electorate when there are three or more candidates running for an elective office. When there are three or more candidates for an elective office, voters often will not vote for their preferred candidate to avoid "wasting" their vote on a "spoiler" candidate. The instant runoff voting method provides for the majority election for elective offices. Instant runoff voting gives voters the option to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives 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. The instant runoff voting method frees voters to mark their ballots for the candidate they truly prefer without fear that their choice will help elect their least preferred candidate.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, and shall remain in full force and effect until December 31, 2013 when upon such date the provisions of this act shall expire and be deemed repealed.