For immediate release

August 31, 2010

Contact: Jeanne Massey, Executive Director

Cell: 612-850-6897; jeanne.massey@fairvotemn.org

Elephant Ears and Electoral Reform

FairVote at the Fair: Gov’s Race Underscores Need for Ranked Choice Voting

St. Paul, Minn. – Facing yet another divisive three-way gubernatorial race unlikely to yield a majority-backed winner, Minnesota state fairgoers are expressing more interest than ever in Ranked Choice Voting (a.k.a. Instant Runoff Voting).

In the fair’s first six days, FairVote Minnesota has engaged thousands of voters – on the left, on the right and in the political center – eager to talk about meaningful electoral reform. Not since 1994 has Minnesota elected a governor with majority support, and that trend is on track to continue. A brand new MPR-Humphrey Institute poll showing Republican Tom Emmer and DFLer Mark Dayton in a dead heat only intensifies concerns about another polarizing autumn that leaves a majority feeling weary and disenfranchised.

Minnesota hasn’t been a two-party state in years, and voters shouldn’t have to fret about “spoiler” dynamics and “wasted” votes when they go to the ballot box. A statewide move to Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) – successfully implemented in Minneapolis city elections last year -- would uphold the principle of majority rule and offer a path to fairer, smarter, cheaper and cleaner elections.

We invite you to stop by our tables at the DFL, Independence Party and Green Party booths and talk with us and Minnesota fairgoers – nearly 1,000 whom have registered their support for RCV since Thursday -- about this fall’s election and why true reform can’t wait. And if you’d like to schedule a time on your program at the fair to discuss this issue, we’d welcome the opportunity.  Please contact Jeanne Massey and check out our 2010 election press kit to learn more, and look for us at the state fair!