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Washington Citizens for Proportional Representation represents Washington State voters of all political persuasions and is dedicated to full and fair representation in local, state and federal elections. We work to increase voter awareness of alternative methods of elections that will give us all a greater voice in government |
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Choice Voting: How it would work in Seattle
City Council
All nine seats would be elected at the same time. The primary election would narrow the field to 18 candidates. Candidates would not file for individual seats as they do now. On the ballot, you will indicate your 1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, etc. up to 9 if you choose. If your 1st choice is not elected, your vote is not wasted. Instead, it is transferred to your 2nd choice. If your second choice is not elected, your vote is transferred to your 3rd choice, and so on.In order to assure that the majority still retains a majority of seats, the same kind of transfer occurs if you vote for a highly favored candidate. Popular candidates are likely to receive an excess of votes and that excess is used to help your 2nd or further choices. Thus, if your preferred candidate receives twice as many votes as needed to be elected, half of your vote will be transferred to help elect your 2nd or 3rd or further choices.
To win, a council candidate would have to receive a little less than 11% (approximately 1/9) of the vote instead of 50% +1 as is now required. This greatly enhances your chance of electing one or more of your preferred choices. You are no longer limited to voting for the lesser of two evils. In addition, campaigns could be less expensive and run on real issues instead of vague generalities unlikely to offend. A broader political spectrum could be seated at the decision-making table.
Note: This kind of election does not require a primary election. The petition being circulated uses one out of tradition and because a primary election would be required for other offices.
Mayor or City Attorney
You may select your preferences 1 through 5 in the primary election. In the general election, you will have three finalists from which to choose. If your 1st choice is not elected, your vote will be transferred to your 2nd choice.Sample Ballot-Primary Election for Mayor or City Attorney