MY State Senator, Liz Kruger (D-28th District), has a Bill (S5616), that establishes a Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV)/instant Runoff Voting (IRV) Method for certain Local Elections and Provides for Repeal of such Provisions.
Its Co-Sponsors are: Brad Hoylman (D-27th) and José M. Serrano (D-29th District).
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 2018, 2019 and 2020. This pilot program would permit the State Legislature to evaluate the broader application of the instant runoff voting method.
I wrote Liz about using RCV in the Election of Mayor, Public Advocate, and Comptroller, in New York City, which now is a Run-Off Election if no Candidate gets at least 40%.
This is Her Response:
Dear Mr. Drucker
Thank you for writing me regarding legislation that would allow for the adoption of ranked choice or instant runoff voting in New York State. I sponsor legislation to allow localities to adopt this voting model (S5616).
Our current primary system creates the distinct possibility for candidates to win with significantly less than a majority of votes. Instant Runoff Voting is one mechanism for addressing this problem, by allowing voters to rank their second and third choices, thereby ensuring that voter preferences are more fully evaluated through the electoral process. IRV has the advantage of reducing the chances that extremely polarizing candidates will win elections with a small percentage of the vote. IRV would also reduce the problem of low turnout that occurs in traditional runoff elections.
Thank you again for writing. I will continue to work for the adoption of S5616 and other legislation that would permit localities to adopt Instant Runoff Voting for elections in New York State.
Sincerely,
Liz Krueger
State Senator
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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