PREFERENTIAL VOTING POSSIBILITIES

IN UTAH ELECTIONSLowell Nelson, Utah Citizen

Scott Hogensen, Chief DeputyJuly 20, 2011

Outline Preferential Balloting

Defined, Exemplified Seats Lost due to Vote Splitting Benefits, Uses

Possibilities IRV using Current Equipment (not very

scalable) Primary/Secondary Choices (somewhat

scalable) Paper-only (simple, inexpensive) Electronic/Paper Hybrid

Example Ballots used in Preferential Voting

Preferential voting is also known as Instant Runoff Voting or IRV.

It allows a voter to express multiple preferences on a single ballot--which saves time and money.

The voter ranks the candidates in order of relative preference.

For example, the voter may select his first choice as #1, his second choice as #2, and so on.

Vote Splitting Changes the Outcome of Elections

In “swing” districts, where two parties are fairly equal in strength, a candidate may win without a majority of votes.

This may mean a loss for a candidate who would have won in a run-off election.

(The next slide will show the image to the right as big as it will go.)

IRV in Action in UtahBenefits:

1. True expression of the will of the citizenry.

2. Winner gets a majority of the votes cast.

3. Candidates stay positive.

Uses:

4. Australia, Ireland5. Hollywood Oscars6. Republican

Organizing Convention in 2004 (see image)

Preferential Balloting using Current EquipmentCurrent system cannot do true, unlimited preferential voting.

Current system can provide n! choices, where n = number of candidates.

Example: race among 3 candidates.

Preferential Balloting using Current EquipmentExample: race among 4 candidates.

Conclusion: doable, but not very scalable beyond five candidates.

First and Second Choices using Current EquipmentConsider a "Primary and Secondary Choice" Approach.

A voter can express a primary and a secondary preference, regardless of the number of candidates in the race.

Example: race among 3 candidates.

First and Second Choices using Current EquipmentThe number of choices is n(n-1), where n is the number of candidates in the race.

Example: race among 4 candidates.

First and Second Choices using Current Equipment

Example: race among 5 candidates.

Conclusion: doable, and somewhat scalable.

Scantron (Paper) System

Consider the use of a Scantron form in ranked choice format.

Counties would not need to maintain electronic voting machines, or purchase additional machines, or pay for their maintenance and storage.

This option is the least expensive option.

This option would appeal to political parties if they are required to bear the costs of their own primary elections.

Electronic/Paper Hybrid

Consider a hybrid: - electronic voting for those who wish to express only one preference- paper ballot for voters who wish to express more than one preference.

Announce a winner if the highest vote getter wins by more votes than the number of paper ballots cast.

Otherwise, count the paper ballots (in addition to the electronic totals) to determine the winner.

Miscellaneous Dominion is reported to have a

preferential balloting system (that accommodates nine candidates) in “certification” at present. Rob Richie, Executive Director, FairVote.org

Consider putting desired system out for bid.

Questions?