Friend of mine wrote this for the Phila. Inquirer this AM:

[PCIntern]

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/20070506_Heres_a_better_way_to_elect.html

Here's a better way to elect

Daniel B. Szyld
is a professor of mathematics
at Temple University

As the mayoral primary election nears, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: The winner of the Democratic nomination will receive about 30 percent of the vote. In other words, about two-thirds of the Democratic voters will not have supported their winning candidate. This outcome is not consistent with a truly representative democracy. There are better ways.

One possible solution is a runoff election between the two top vote-getters. This voting method is standard practice in many places around the world, and in some municipalities here in the United States.

We are witnessing one such example today, in France's presidential runoff election. The usual criticisms of this option include the cost of a second poll, and that sometimes a second primary may lead to low turnout.

One solution is called Instant Runoff Voting (IRV). It is like having the election and runoff in the same election, but better.

-snip-
...more at the link above


He's an interesting fellow and he showed me this yesterday at lunch in an 'advance' copy of the Inquirer. We are having a fascinating election here in Philly with a 5-way Dem primary field which will determine the winner almost for certain UNLESS and independent jumps in between now and the General Election. Tweety himself is moderating a 'debate' on Monday among the 5. Go figure.

[jody]

1. Wikipedia has an interesting summary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instant_Runoff_Voting