IRV Aims for Mar. 2009 Ballot

Submitted by Gautam Dutta on Sat, 07/05/2008 - 18:56.
July 4, 2008

Dear Friends,

 
Happy July 4th!  Speaking of freedom and democracy, June was an exciting month for Instant Runoff Voting (IRV).

Thanks to you, IRV has a strong chance of making the March 2009 ballot.  Last week, IRV was heard by the full Los Angeles City Council, as well as the Rules and Government Committee.  While we were disappointed that IRV will not appear on the November ballot, we are pleased that two Councilmembers have indicated they will introduce a bill to put IRV on the March ballot.  If the City Council and the Mayor take action by October, IRV will appear on the March ballot.

Over 60 civic leaders came to City Hall to support IRV, including:  former LA City Councilmember Jackie Goldberg, Fernando Ramirez (on behalf of Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas), Los Angeles Community College Trustee Mona Field, Frances Talbott-White of the League of Women Voters, Vanessa Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, David Holtzman of the West Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, and Steve Ochoa of the William C. Velasquez Institute.

As always, please feel free to call us at 213.480.0994 with any questions.

Thanks again for all your support.  With your help, IRV will soon become an invaluable part of our elections.

We look forward to working with you in the coming weeks.

Warm wishes for the holiday,

Gautam Dutta, Esq.

Deputy Director, Political Reform Program

New America Foundation