Los Angeles City Council hearing on IRV -- Please attend,write letters, etc.

By Steven Hill

June 5, 2007 -- On Wednesday, June 13, the Rules & Elections Committee of the Los Angeles City Council will hold an important hearing on using instant runoff voting in Los Angeles for local elections. It’s crucial that we turn out as many people as possible to this hearing, and also that we generate numerous letters, emails and phone calls to targeted city council members (see sample letter and talking points below). We need to demonstrate that there is significant support for IRV!

Background

Last month, Los Angeles held a runoff election and hardly anyone bothered to show up -- only 6 percent turnout for an election that cost taxpayers $5 million -- 40 dollars per voter! This has fueled intense interest in instant runoff voting, including a hearing on June 13 at the Rules & Elections Committee, plus supportive opeds in the Los Angeles Times and LA Daily News (see this L.A. Times op-ed). A resolution about IRV has been introduced by city council members Huizar and Garcetti.

We need your help

Please do one or more of the following:

• Attend the Rules & Elections Committee meeting and give your 2-3 minute public testimony.
• And/or write a letter to the 3-member Rules & Elections Committee: Alarcon, Garcetti, Zine (see details below).
• Write letters to the Daily News and LA Times. LA Times columnist Steve Hymon will be having a short piece about IRV in next Monday’s paper.

Please show your support for IRV at this crucial moment:

What: Rules & Elections Committee Meeting

When: Wednesday, June 13th, 3:00pm

Where: Room 1070, City Hall (10th floor)

Please let us know if you are coming by

MAIL letters to: Honorable Members of the Los Angeles City Council Rules & Elections Committee, c/o Frank Martinez, City Clerk, 200 North Spring Street, Room 360, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

FAX letters to: 213-978-1027.

Please send a copy to: Lynne Serpe, New America Foundation, 3435 Wilshire Blvd, #2724, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Or send an email copy by

Main talking points

• The current two-round system is broken / isn’t working -- 6 percent turnout in May, $5 million spent ($40 per voter).
• IRV elects majority winners in one election, eliminating costly runoffs, saving millions that could be spent on other much needed services.
• IRV reduces voter fatigue /allowing voter mobilization efforts to focus on one election not two.
• IRV promotes positive, issue-based campaigns since candidates might need 2nd or 3rd rankings to win / trash-talking their opponents will turn off their opponents’ supporters.
• IRV allows voters to choose candidates they really like rather than worrying about "spoiling" or "splitting the vote" in the first round.
• Vote YES on the Huizar-Garcetti motion to have the City Clerk and the Chief Legislative Analyst prepare reports and recommendations.

Sample letter (please modify)

Honorable Members of the Los Angeles City Council
c/o Frank Martinez, City Clerk
200 North Spring Street, Room 360
Los Angeles, CA 90012

DATE

Attention: Rules & Elections Committee

(INTRO/INCLUDE ORGANIZATIONS IF ANY)

I am a ten-year resident of Los Angeles and a member of the Mid-City Neighborhood Council. I’m appalled at the recent 6% turnout in the May election.

(PROBLEM)

The current two-round runoff system in Los Angeles isn’t working. Millions of dollars are being spent on elections where no one shows up. We clearly have a problem and I thank the Rules & Elections Committee for looking at various reforms and solutions.

(SOLUTION/URGE YES)

In particular, I’m writing to urge you to vote in favor of the Huizar-Garcetti motion on instant runoff voting (IRV). IRV is being used successfully in other parts of California, and across the country. With IRV, candidates and voter mobilization organizations can focus their efforts on turning out the vote for a single election. And IRV saves taxpayer dollars.

(SNAPPY CLOSE - OPTIONAL) It’s a win-win situation for the voters, for candidates and the City.

Sincerely,

NAME

ADDRESS

Steven Hill is Political Reform Director at the New America Foundation.

Last revised June 6, 2007

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