IRV in Takoma Park Chosen by voters in 2005 by a margin of 84%. Charter amendment adopted by unanimous vote of city council. Used to elect the city's mayor and city councilmembers.

In an advisory ballot measure placed on the ballot by a 7-0 vote of the Takoma Park city council, fully 84% of voters voted for the proposal to have future city elections use instant runoff voting.

On April 10, 2006, the city council of Takoma Park, Maryland voted unanimously for a second and final time to change the city council charter to ensure all future city elections are held with instant runoff voting.

IRV will be used in November 2007 elections for mayor and city council, although could be used earlier to fill any vacancies. Ballots will be counted by hand, as the city changed to paper ballots in 2005 to save money.

[ January 2007 Ward 5 Vacancy Election ]
[ Campaign Lessons from Takoma Park ]
[ Ballot Question Results ]
[ News Clippings ]
[ Read Takoma Charter Amendment Language ]

 

Watch Rob Richie speak on about the value of IRV for Takoma Park

November 9, 2005

October 14, 2005

May 5th 2009
Larry R. Bradley and Rob Richie: To increase voter turnout, try a more efficient election process
Omaha World-Herald

Op-ed by author Larry Bradley and FairVote Executive Director Rob Richie on why Omaha should dump its low turnout primaries in favor of instant runoff voting.

February 25th 2009
More economical solution to costly special election
Gazette

FairVote Democracy Fellow Erik Connell details the pitfalls of runoff elections: cost and low turnout. He advocates instant runoff voting as the solution to these problems.

December 29th 2007
Local view: Instant-runoff voting system would save money and trips to the polls
Duluth News Tribune

FairVote MN op. ed. highlighting the benefits of instant runoff voting for Duluth, MN, including reduction in election costs and number of elections to administer.

December 21st 2007
Electoral Lessons From Australia
The Washington Post

Rob Richie's letter to the editor, highlighting benefits of Australia's instant runoff voting system, including greater voter choice and competitive elections.

November 4th 2007
Yes on Referenda 2E
Aspen Times

Explanation of why one constituent is voting for the instant runoff voting system.