Alaska Republicans Endorse Instant Runoff Voting Ballot Measure

On August 27, 2002, the state of Alaska will vote on a ballot measure that would implement instant runoff voting for all federal elections and most state elections and make it an explicit option for localities. Most political parties in the state support the proposed reform, which was placed on the ballot by a citizen's initiative. On May 18, 2002, the Republican Party of Alaska adopted the following resolution.


Whereas, the Republican Party of Alaska believes in and supports the principles of Democracy, Fairness and Majority Rule, and

Whereas, Alaskan voters should be able to vote their conscience without fear of wasting their vote or helping elect candidates they least prefer, and

Whereas, Instant Runoff Voting eliminates majority voters splitting their votes among similar candidates allowing a candidate with only minority appeal to win, and

Whereas, Instant Runoff Voting eliminates spoilers, those candidates with little change of winning who can knock off more representative candidates, and

Whereas, Instant Runoff Voting insures majority rule without having the expense of a runoff election

Now therefore be it resolved that the Republican Party of Alaska fully supports the Instant Runoff Voting initiative proposition appearing on the August, 2002 Primary Election Ballot.

Adopted by the Republican Party of Alaska in State Convention on May 18, 2002