This week in Saint Paul, only 15% of registered voters turned out to vote for seven contested council seats. This was supposed to be an election, but we tend to think that Saint Paul had a “NON-EVENT.” In fact, Saint Paul had TWO non-events this fall: the turnout was even lower – JUST 5% - in the primary in September!

We KNOW that Instant Runoff Voting engages voters, increases the average voters' political power in one election, and inspires voters to actually go to the polls. And we KNOW that Saint Paul can do better than a 5% or 15% turnout!! So, help us close this embarrassing chapter in our election history.

Help to fund an IRV initiative in 2008 by participating in the long awaited: “NON-EVENT TO END NON-EVENTS!” The Saint Paul Better Ballot Campaign Invites You To Stay Home on Thursday, November 15th!

Do Not Clear Your Schedule For Appetizers and Drinks from 5-7:00 pm

There Will Be No Remarks Made at 6:00 pm

Instead…. Please Sit in a Comfy Chair, Enjoy Your Family and Friends And Then….When You Are Good and Relaxed… Take Out Your Checkbook & Write a Check to Help Bring IRV to Saint Paul in 2008!!

We need to gear up for a full scale campaign in 2008. We have the 5,200 required signatures, but we need to keep the signatures fresh should we file the petition to put the measure to the voters. We welcome newly elected IRV supporters Russ Stark and Melvin Carter III to the City Council, but we still need more votes to move the measure to the ballot by way of a council or charter commission vote. We need to build a strong volunteer base to help bring the message to all Saint Paul voters to ensure a “yes” vote next fall.

Join forces with the Better Ballot Campaign to bring IRV to Saint Paul by simply reaching into your purse or pocketbook, sitting in an easy chair, and writing as generous a check as you can to the campaign. This “NON-EVENT TO END NON-EVENTS” is much less awkward or time consuming than gathering signatures for the petition. In fact, the most challenging part of this request is finding a stamp. Enjoy your free evening.

Looking forward to NOT seeing you, The Saint Paul IRV 2008 Kick-Off Crew

John Hottinger

Ellen T. Brown

George Latimer

Amy Brendmoen

Dan Duddingston

Dave Durenberger

Ruby Hunt

Mike (Kenner) Kennedy

Julia May

Kathleen Murphy

PS. Join the multi-partisan company of Saint Paul IRV supporters who are donating to the “NON-EVENT TO END NON-EVENTS” to support the Better Ballot Campaign and vow to stay home and relax on November 15th!

Please consider making a financial contribution ($25, $50, $100, $500, more -- everything helps) to help ensure the success of the Better Ballot Campaign.

Send a check:

Better Ballot Campaign
1523 Laurel Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104

Or donate online: 

Click to donate online!