Submitted by Clay Shentrup, Mar 27, 2007 04:43

It is also possible to create an "instant runoff" voting system that would ensure that the winning candidate earns the support of a majority of the voters.

This post repeats common myths that are perpetuated by IRV propaganda groups, like FairVote.org

Consider this hypothetical election using IRV.

% of voters - their vote
34% Obama> Edwards> McCain
17% Edwards> Obama> McCain
15% Edwards> McCain> Obama
34% McCain> Edwards> Obama

In this IRV election, Edwards is eliminated first, and then Obama goes on to win. But wait! 66% of people prefer Edwards to Obama (and to McCain). Yet Edwards loses?! This leaves McCain fans with a tactical incentive to vote for their second choice, Edwards, so that they don't get their last choice, Obama. It also makes McCain a spoiler, since without him, Edwards would handily beat Obama.

So much for the myths that IRV elects majority winners and eliminates spoilers.

Electoral reform advocates (especially third parties!) should be demanding Range Voting - score all the candidates and elect the one with the highest average. It is completely spoiler free, simpler to use and implement, and produces a greater voter satisfaction index than other alternative voting methods.

Get the facts at http://RangeVoting.org/IRV.html

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