|
Fixing Elections in North
Carolina:
Eliminate Wasteful Runoffs & Improve
Redistricting
July 15, 2002
Contact: Steven Hill or Eric
Olson, 301-270-4616
North Carolina has abandoned its runoffs for this
yearís primary elections. Since the elections have been delayed by
legal challenges to redistricting plans, the state decided there is
not enough time for two elections. While North Carolina plans to
reinstate runoffs next year, there is a more efficient and less
costly alternative.
Instant runoff voting offers the answer: one round of
voting, where voters express their favorite choice and, if they
want, their runoff choices. This simulates a runoff and results in
maintaining majority rule, while maximizing voter turnout in one
single election.
Steven Hill, West Coast Director of the Center, says,
ìIf North Carolina restores runoff elections next year, they would
be wise to adopt ëinstant runoffsí ñ 1-round, efficient elections.î
Delaying the elections was the result of a bitter,
nightmarish redistricting process. The original plan, which
Democrats liked and Republicans did not, was brought to court and
battled over for months. This partisan battle cost the taxpayers
thousands of dollars in court costs. Now it costs the taxpayers
runoff elections because there is no longer enough time for two
elections.
About Steven Hill
Steven Hill has
a new book, Fixing Elections: The Failure of the Winner Take All
System. Fixing Elections addresses the alternatives to redistricting
that will not delay the elections. Attached is a previous press
release that offers more details regarding Fixing Elections and Steven Hill.
|
