Ranked Choice Voting

In the 2008 session, Representative Steve Simon and Senator Ann Rest re-introduced legislation to establish ranked choice voting (or Instant Runoff Voting) elections in Minnesota statute.

The new bills are HF 2052 and SF 1820. They are co-authored by Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher (60A) and state representatives Bill Hilty (8A), Kent Eken (2A), Roger Reinert (7A), Frank Hornstein (60B), Jeff Hayden (61B), Jim Davnie (62A), Phyllis Kahn (59B), Erin Murphy (64A), Michael Paymar (64B), Karen Clark (61A) and Sandra Masin (38A); and state senators Katie Sieben (57), John Marty (54), Mee Moua (67), and Scott Dibble (60).

If adopted, the legislation would establish statewide standards for how to conduct ranked choice voting elections in home rule cities that elect to use this voting method.

The bill would also require jurisdictions purchasing new voting equipment systems to purchase equipment capable of handling ranked ballot elections, helping to simplify and expedite implementation efforts.

The legislation has its roots in recommendations made by the 2007 Secretary of State's Ranked Choice Voting Issues Group.

With signficant support among legislators, we expect the legislation will be advanced next year. 

Contact your legislators (Representatives and Senator) to let them know that the legislation has been introduced and urge their support for this important reform. It will help pave the way for expanded use of Ranked Choice Voting in Minnesota. 

National Popular Vote Plan

Another exciting electoral reform is making its way to Minnesota.

State Rep. Steve Simon has introduced National Popular Vote Plan legislation (HF 512). He joins legislators across the country who are working to pledge states’ Electoral College votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote.

Click here to learn more about the Plan, how it works and what states have passed it.

FairVote Minnesota endorses this important electoral reform initiative and will track the legislation's progress.

The Plan is already gaining support in Minnesota. Former U.S. Senator and IRV supporter Dave Durenberger is on the project's national advisory board, and the Star Tribune has endorsed the plan.

Help us increase support for the National Popular Vote Plan by contacting your legislators to educate them and and urge them to support it.

Stay tuned for further legislative updates.

If you have questions about the legislation, contact 763-807-2550 or info@fairvotemn.org.