HB 1447 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that it is in the public interest to examine the use of a voting system that requires all victorious candidates to be elected with a majority vote rather than a plurality of effective votes, and that allows voters to designate secondary and other preferences for potential tabulation if their first choice candidate does not receive a majority of the votes cast.

Recognizes that the system known as instant runoff voting achieves these purposes.

Declares that it is in the interest of participatory democracy for voters to be given the opportunity to vote for their first choice candidate while still making effective secondary choices among the remaining candidates.

Declares an intent to authorize a limited pilot project to study the effects of using instant runoff voting as a local option for nonpartisan offices in any qualifying city.