Unity08. A people's movement to take our country back.

I affiliate with the Green party, but realize that I cannot vote Green. The current system operates such that a vote for a fringe candidate actually benefits the candidate most inimical to the voter. Current history demonstrates this: Nader votes certainly helped Dubya (He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named), Buchanan votes helped Clinton.

There is a voting scheme that ameliorates this to a great degree: Instant Runoff Voting

The Greens have supported this from the start. For those of you who are unfamiliar, here's how it works:

(1) When you fill out your ballot you rank the candidates, indicating your first choice, second choice, and so on for as many of the candidates as you care to rank.
(2) The votes are tallied and the candidate with the least number of votes is eliminated.
(3) Every ballot with the eliminated candidate at the top is re-tallied with the voter's next choice being given the vote.
(4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 until 1 candidate has over 50%.

This scheme has many benefits, among them:
* You can vote your conscience without the fear of contributing to a candidate that you despise.
* Candidates never win with a plurality. The winner always gets at least 50% + 1.
* You don't have to vote for the lesser of evils.
* Run-off elections are avoided.

I am bothered that my support of Nader benefited He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, so much so that I've determined that I cannot vote Green in a close election. :-(

Under IRV I could have ranked Nader first, Gore second, maybe Browne third and been satisfied that I supported the candidate that best represents me without electing the worst. An added benefit is that you contribute to a candidate you like less but who may be elected.

IRV at all voting levels; it's time.