It's a scaled-back version of a Senate bill, now awaiting a floor vote, that would allow such methods in any municipal election in Minnesota.

Republican Rep. Jim Rhodes, the committee's chairman, said the bill's scope was narrowed to include only Roseville because "we thought it would be the best way to get it passed quickly."

But Sen. John Marty, a Roseville DFLer and sponsor of the Senate measure, said a single pilot site hardly affords a true test-drive of alternative election methods like instant runoff voting, whereby voters rank candidates in order of preference. "We're basically spinning wheels," he said. "If we're serious about this, we should really allow several cities to try it in several elections over several years."

Supporters in Roseville say instant runoff voting could be perfectly suited for the election to fill the council seat vacated when Craig Klausing became mayor.

In a race with more than two candidates, instant runoff ensures that the winner takes office with more than 50 percent of the vote. It can also save money by eliminating the need for a primary in nonpartisan elections. In early January, the Roseville City Council unanimously passed a resolution asking the Legislature to allow the city to use the instant-runoff option.

Rhodes said he expects a full House vote on the bill as early as next week, and said he would discuss with Marty whether the Senate would accept his committee's changes.