Author: Jack

Thoughts on the direction of electoral reform

Here are some ideas for what reformers might be doing. They are based on my research and my interpretation of others’ research.

None of this (except maybe MMP) is said with an eye to policy effects. I am focusing only on reform longevity and voting-rights concerns.

  • Restrict STV to places that already have nonpartisan elections.
  • Convert STV to OLPR when the alternative is repeal.
  • Restrict ‘instant runoff’ to the optional-preferential form. Ensure party control of the party label. Develop inclusive rules for handling improperly marked ballots. I can share an example set.
  • Consider MMP for state legislatures.

This is a set of compromise proposals. It takes account of widespread demand for electoral reform, legitimate concerns about electoral reform, and the fact that RCV/nonpartisan elections aren’t going anywhere — a point made forcefully by many in or near this space.

My current thoughts on PR/“more parties” reforms

What follows is mainly for me, but maybe it is useful.

I would view list-PR adoption as an ‘insulating’ action by a coalition that is hard but not impossible to put together. The same would go for national/widespread imposition of ballot fusion (also see first link).

I am wary of efforts to promote PR for its own sake.

I think we are going to see (or at least hear about) more reform activity than usual in cities and maybe some states. It would be nice to see this go in the “more parties” direction.

I prefer to say “pro-party.” I don’t think that direction has to alter the party system by, say, causing lots of parties to win seats in Congress or run presidential candidates.

Even locally, I am reluctant to say it would be easy to build a pro-party reform coalition.