Saint Paul Better Ballot Campaign

On November 3, 2009 Instant Runoff Voting passed in Saint Paul!

Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) brings:

• Better choice: By replacing the two-round election with one instant runoff election, IRV ensures candidates will not be eliminated in low turnout primary elections. At the general election (when more people vote) ALL voters can choose from ALL the candidates.
• Better participation: Instant Runoff Voting encourages voter participation by increasing the variety and number of candidates on the ballot. Studies clearly show that Instant Runoff Voting increases voter participation.
• Better representation: Instant Runoff Voting assures fairer and more accurate representation of voters. Instant Runoff Voting provides results that better reflect the will of the voters. More people vote at general elections, so more voters get to choose who best represents them. Plus, Instant Runoff Voting empowers sincere voting--eliminating concern for vote wasting. Candidates will have a better idea about how many voters agree with their positions on the issues.
• Better campaigns: Instant Runoff Voting leads to more informative and positive campaigns. IRV brings more viewpoints into the debates and discourages negative campaigning. Candidates are better able to focus on the issues, so voters will be better informed.

In 2006, voters in Minneapolis and three other US cities and counties elected overwhelmingly to update their voting systems with Instant Runoff Voting (IRV). The movement for better voting has rapidly taken root across the country, with over 20 cities and counties now using or preparing to use IRV. It is a sensible reform that is endorsed by the League of Woman Voters, TakeAction, the Star Tribune, Sierra Club and several other Minnesota organizations.

In 2008, a petition signed by over 7,000 Saint Paul voters was certified to place an Instant Runoff Voting on our ballot. On June 24, 2009 the Saint Paul City Council voted to approve the ballot measure language for the General Election ballot. IRV passed on November 3, and will be used in the next municipal election in 2011.

We believe Instant Runoff Voting will eventually be the way all Minnesotans vote. The Twin Cities are leading the way!

TASTING TRIALS

Tasting Trials!
an appetizing take on Instant Runoff Voting

Every day we rank our choices. We prefer certain things to others, and sometimes have to go with our second or third choice. At a restaurant, if they are out of the appetizer we want, we usually have a back up. 

Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) is a ranked ballot method of voting that replaces a two-round election with a single trip to the polls in November. Candidates must receive a majority of support (50% + 1 Vote). Voters rank the candidates they prefer. All the first choices are counted. If no candidate has over half the vote, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. If your first choice is eliminated, your second choice becomes your vote. Votes are then re-tallied. The process repeats until there is a winner.

We thank all businesses who partnered with our Campaign to educate St Paul voters!

253 7th St W
FOR FAVORITE DESSERT
WINNER:
WARM PEAR & APPLE CRISP
Click HERE for complete results & tally

96 Dale St N
FOR FAVORITE APPETIZER
WINNER:
FLAMINGO WINGS
Click HERE for complete results & tally

 

498 Selby Ave
FOR FAVORITE SUMMIT BREW
WINNGER:
EXTRA PALE ALE
Click HERE for complete results & tally

FOR FAVORITE MN BREWERY
WINNER:
SURLY
Click HERE for complete results & tally

2186 Marshall Ave
FOR FAVORITE SPECIALTY BREAD
WINNER:
HONEY MOLASSES
Click HERE for complete results & tally 

 

2260 Como Ave
FOR FAVORITE ENTREE
WINNER:
Steak Frites
Click HERE for complete results & tally

 

Sunday, October 18th: IRV Dodgeball Tournament

 

1662 Grand Ave
FOR FAVORITE OMELET
WINNER:
Goat Cheese Omelet
Click HERE to LISTEN to G.M. Stephen Schweckendieck on WCCO Radio
Click HERE for complete results & tally 

 

FOR FAVORITE BREW
Winner:
Horny Toad Pale Ale
The winner will be served at an upcoming house party this October! Check back for complete details soon!
Click HERE for complete results & tally

 

FOR FAVORITE SANDWICH
WINNER:
Reuben
Click HERE for complete results & tally

 

63 Winfred St W
FOR FAVORITE PASTRY

 

637 Smith Ave S
October 21 - 31
FOR FAVORITE HOUSE SPECIAL

525 Selby Ave
FOR FAVORITE BEER IN THE FLIGHT

 

FOR FAVORITE SALAD
WINNER:
Cesar Salad
Click HERE for complete results & tally

"Amore Coffee was one of the first restaurants to do this fun experiment for the Better Ballot Campaign.  It took a bit of training [for the staff] but it was fun for the owners to be on the cutting edge and also for our employees.  We used the concept to promote our "new" salads and people that would not normally try the salads did and had fun learning and voting.  I recommend this even if you are not knowledgeable or not certain you are behind this campaign.  It was something fun for the customers and it was nice to play a part in the education of something that will show up on the ballot."
Nancy D. Breymeier, co-owner of Amore
 

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For further information or questions, contact Dakotah Rae at dakotah@fairvotemn.org