Define: Instant-Runoff Voting

IRV is a voting system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the voters’ next preferences. This process continues until a candidate receives a majority of the votes.

The legality of instant-runoff voting varies by state. Some states have adopted IRV for certain elections, while others have not. It’s important to check the laws and regulations in your specific state to determine the legality of IRV.

IRV can benefit third-party candidates by allowing voters to express their true preferences without fear of “wasting” their vote. This can lead to increased support for third-party candidates and a more diverse range of voices in the political process.

Some critics argue that IRV can be confusing for voters and may not always result in the most representative outcome. Additionally, the counting process for IRV can be more complex and time-consuming than traditional voting methods.

There is some concern that IRV could lead to more negative campaigning, as candidates may try to appeal to voters’ second or third preferences in order to gain support if they are not the voters’ first choice.

Research on the impact of IRV on voter turnout is mixed. Some studies suggest that IRV can increase voter turnout by giving voters more options and reducing the “wasted vote” phenomenon, while others find no significant impact on turnout.

IRV can be used for single-winner elections, such as mayoral or gubernatorial races, as well as for multi-winner elections, such as city council or school board elections.

The costs of implementing IRV can vary depending on the specific election and the infrastructure in place. Costs may include voter education, ballot design, and changes to election administration processes.

There have been legal challenges to IRV in some jurisdictions, particularly related to the counting and tabulation process. It’s important to stay informed about any legal challenges in your area if IRV is being considered.

To learn more about instant-runoff voting in your area, you can contact your local election officials, attend public meetings or forums on the topic, and research any proposed legislation or initiatives related to IRV.