Michael Simpson: Rank your choices on ballot, eliminating runoffs

Runoff elections cost us and candidates huge amounts of money and there is a cheaper, better way. I wonder if our election officials are aware that runoffs are not necessary.

Consider Instant Runoff Voting elections. In this type of election, you vote as normal then you rank the candidates in terms of who you want 1st, 2nd, 3rd and so. If none of the candidates receive 50 percent of the vote, as required, then a recount done using your other choices until a candidate receives 50 percent of the vote – be it your 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice.

This eliminates the need for a runoff. All the ballots will count and you don’t have to waste your vote and we save millions. Runoffs have low voter turnouts and more campaign and election costs. Voting equipment can be adapted – expensive, but paid for by the savings from additional elections.

There are many pros and a few cons. Search the net for Instant Runoff Voting Election . This type election is used worldwide; we need to catch up and save!

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 12:44 PM with the headline "Michael Simpson: Rank your choices on ballot, eliminating runoffs."