CA EVENT: Instant Runoff Voting (San Jose)
What Can It Do for San Jose?
Event
In order to be elected to office in San Jose, a candidate must secure a majority of the votes cast. Sounds simple enough, but if no candidate receives a majority, then a runoff election is held in which the top candidates must compete again. This process is not only lengthy and results in voter fatigue and low voter turnout, but can cost $500,000 per election. There must be a better way to elect our leaders.
In May, the San Jose Elections Commission had Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) on their agenda, and heard it described as a cheaper, quicker, and more civil way to run elections. Join us for a discussion of how IRV works and what it can do for San Jose.
This event is free and open to the public and lunch will be provided.
The event is jointly sponsored by the New America Foundation and Common Cause.
Location
Participants
Sam Liccardo
Councilmember, San Jose City Council (District 3)
Steve Chessin
President, Californians for Electoral Reform
Ash Kalra
Councilmember, San Jose City Council (District 2)
Ellen Wheeler
Member, League of Women Voters Los Altos-Mountain View
Moderated by
Terry Christensen
Professor of Political Science, San Jose State University