Star Tribune Columnist Nick Coleman calls for need to consider Instant Runff Voting at the state level

November 09, 2006

Excerpt: 

Majority, shmajority: Of the last five statewide elections, only one has ended with a governor picked by a majority of voters (Arne Carlson, 1994, 62 percent). After three straight elections in which no one could gain 50-percent-plus 1, it's time to consider instant runoff voting at the state level. IRV would let voters name a second choice, too, so their second choice could be counted if no one wins a majority on the first go-round. This year, IRV might have made Mike Hatch the first DFLer elected to be governor in 20 years, even after his running mate couldn't answer a question about the importance of the ethanol production known as E85 to Minnesota grain farmers. That fun fact could set up a showdown over IRV: A DFL-run Legislature vs. Forty-seven Percent Pawlenty.

For full column, see: http://www.startribune.com/357/story/800879.html