Alameda County Cities to Use Instant Runoff Voting

Three cities in the East Bay – Oakland, Berkeley, and San Leandro – are moving toward implementing Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) this year. Last week, the Oakland City Council upheld a mandate from the City’s voters when it voted to move forward with IRV. Berkeley’s City Manager recently sent a letter to San Leandro saying that they’re ready to move forward, as long as San Leandro does as well. With the ball now in its court, San Leandro’s city council will decide on IRV next week.

Why should we care? Because Instant Runoff Voting is a proven method that increases voter turnout, gives voters more meaningful choices, reduces campaign spending, and encourages positive and issue-oriented campaigns.

For more information on IRV, check out the Political Reform Program’s IRV page and watch this video from Minnesota Public Radio.