Subject: LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ENDORSES INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ENDORSES INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING

For Immediate Release

March 8, 2011

Contact Michelle A. Small, msmall@gwi.net, 729-2856

Augusta, ME   –  Following years of study and discussion, the League of Women Voters of Maine announced today that it has reached concurrence with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota in favor of Instant Runoff Voting, sometimes known as Ranked Choice Voting. Based on that position, the League endorses the election of candidates in single seat elections by a majority vote, if achieved through Instant Runoff Voting.

Individual members of the League began studying the issue in 2008.  Members of area Leagues met in Portland, Brunswick and Ellsworth in February and March of this year to discuss the position previously adopted by the League of Women Voters of Minnesota. Based on the recommendations of the three local Leagues as well as members at large, the state League issued its final position on March 7.  In addition to Maine and Minnesota, other state Leagues around the country that have endorsed IRV include the state Leagues in Arizona, California, North Carolina, Vermont and Washington.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages.  Founded in 1920, it is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations. For more information, go to www.lwvme.org.

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