Activists have launched a campaign aimed at fixing New York City elections by  instituting an instant runoff voting system and dumping plurality for good. The video below explains the current status of the campaign. You can show your support by signing a petition organized by Fairvote, a nonpartisan proponent of electoral reforms that has been an ally of Democracy Chronicles since we were founded in 2011. Supporters of New York City Instant Runoff Voting are also encouraged to post a public comment to the NYC Charter Revision Commission as part of the campaign.

So does New York support Instant Runoff Voting? Should it? Add your comments below. Some more information was provided by Fairvote:

IRV allows voters to rank candidates for office in order of preference, rather than only voting for one candidate. If a candidate earns more than half of voters’ first choice, that candidate wins. If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and voters who selected that candidate have their vote instantly go to their next choice. This process continues until one candidate emerges with a majority of the vote. This “instant” runoff would replace the runoff elections currently held for offices where no candidate receives 40% of the vote. These runoffs cost the City millions of dollars and consistently see abysmal voter turnout. Here are the reasons IRV would improve democracy in New York City:

• Eliminates the need for costly, low-turnout runoff elections.
• Increases voter participation and turnout.
• Uphold representatives outcomes better than our current voting system.
• Ensures military voters and voters with disabilities are able to fully participate in elections.
• Enhances voter expression
• Leads to more diverse candidates.
• Discourages negative campaigning and promote inclusion.

The video is about 3 minutes. Take a look: