Establishes an instant runoff voting method for certain local elections; provides for repeal of such provisions

2 Co-sponsors

• Brad Hoylman-Sigal
• José M. Serrano

Title of bill

An act to amend the election law, in relation to establishing an instant runoff voting method for certain local elections and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

To permit the use of the instant run off voting method on a trial basis in elections in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. This pilot program would permit the State Legislature to evaluate the broader application of the instant runoff voting method.

Summary of provisions

A new Article 18 of the election law is established.

Existing lan

None.

Justification

The current system of elections often results in the election of a candidate that does not have the majority of support when there are three or more candidates. Further, where there are three or more candidates in an election, voters often will not vote for their preferred candidate to avoid "wasting" their vote on a "spoiler" candidate. Rather, they will vote against a candidate they dislike, by voting for a leading candidate that they perceive as the lesser of two evils. The result of the current system in multi-candidate elections can be the selection of candidates that lack majority party support. In the City of New York, where runoff elections are required for certain offices, where no candidate receives 40% or more of the vote, the result is often conducting a separate, expensive run-off primary that often results in reduced participation at the run-off election. The instant runoff voting (IRV) method provides for the majority election for elective offices. IRV gives voters the option to rank candidates according to the order of their choice. If no candidate obtains a majority of first choice votes, then the candidate receiving the fewest first choice votes is eliminated. Each vote cast or the eliminated candidate shall be transferred to the candidate who was the voter's next choice on the ballot. The process is continued until a candidate receives a majority of the votes. The instant runoff voting method has been the subject of increasing interest across the nation. It has already been adopted by local referenda in California, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

There are several, potential benefits to the IRV method. Firsts voters are free to mark up their ballot for the candidate they truly prefer without fear that their choice will help elect their least, favorable candidate. Second, it insures that the elected candidate has a true majority support. In addition, the IRV method will (1) promote higher voter turnout, and (2) encourage positive campaigning, since candidates will seek second-choice and third-choice votes from voters and will therefore be less likely to attack other candidates and alienate voters that support other candidates as their first choice. In situations where runoffs are already required, it will eliminate the need for a second runoff election, with its increased costs and lower voter turnout.

Fiscal implications

Negligible.

Local fiscal implications

Negligible.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, and shall expire December 31, 2021 when upon such acre the provisions c this act shall be deemed repealed.