Alternative Voting Methods
The Alternative Voting Methods committee has worked long and hard to ensure the position proposed on voting methods up for adoption at national convention by concurrence is accurate. LWVCO adopted a broad and general Voting Methods position in 2017. We were happy to see a similar position under consideration for adoption at the national convention this year. However, we had concerns about one statement. After much discussion, the proponents have agreed to remove the problematic majority requirement from the proposed position. LWVCO is delighted now to be a partner in the proposed concurrence effort.
Speaking with One Voice: Alternative Voting Methods
Position In Brief - Voting Methods: Support authorizing and implementing alternatives to plurality voting that improve the election experience, encourage honest voting and consider ease of implementation (Positions for Action, p. 11). For the complete position, see Positions For Action, p. 19.
The League of Women Voters of Colorado supports implementing alternative voting methods but does not support or oppose one alternative voting method over another. Local Leagues are encouraged to use the above position and choose for themselves which form of alternative method to use if there is member understanding and agreement within their League. Local Leagues will need to study the alternatives to determine which is best for their jurisdictions.
If the proposed action of a specific local League does not affect another League, the League is free to choose which alternative voting method or methods are better for their area. However, when the action of one League affects another League jurisdiction, they must either develop a position between the two within the guidelines of the current position or be silent as representatives of the League.
“Speaking with one voice” is a most important concepts within the League; only the concept of alternative voting methods can be supported as stated in Positions for Action. Local Leagues must align their actions with state League position. Positions were adopted by consensus of League members throughout the state and are the guidelines we are to use.
League members may work on an alternative voting method when there is no position on which one but cannot identify themselves as representing the League.
At the state level when legislation is introduced on alternative voting methods, using our position cited above, we will decide whether we support the legislation or not. At this point we can only support legislation that provides for alternative methods. We don't want to limit jurisdictions that might wish to try different alternative voting method. If we want to decide on a specific alternative voting method for the state, we will have to do a study.
For this legislative session (2020) this is a moot issue. Due to what will ultimately be a truncated session, legislation on alternative voting methods is highly unlikely to be introduced. We will, however, continue to attend meetings on the topic of alternative methods. We will continue to push for legislation that is permissive and aligns with the LWVCO guidelines and position.
League Joins Efforts to Support Funding in 4th COVID-19 Stimulus
LWVUS has actively been supporting additional measures for inclusion in the next emergency funding stimulus bills related to the coronavirus. The provisions the League support cover $4 billion in elections funding, economic measures, access to broadband internet, support for the classification of the District of Columbia as a state, and support for families in need of financial or healthcare assistance no matter their immigration or economic status. (You can find more information in The League Update, April 23.)
LWVCO: Since the LWVUS supports these items, in your conversations you are free to talk about what work the League is doing in these areas.
Initiative 271
The League of Women Voters of Colorado supports Initiative 271 - Policy Changes Pertaining to State Income Taxes, a petition drive for the 2020 Ballot. Initiative 271, a measure being powered by the Fair Tax Colorado campaign, will undo decades of unfair tax policy and help put Colorado on the road to recovery by lowering income tax for 95% of Coloradans. It will also make sure schools and other public investments have what they need to provide critical services to our communities by asking the top 5% of Coloradans to pay a little more, Initiative 271 can help families rebound economically, protect Colorado’s communities from even more pain, and finally establish the fair tax code we need. (Colorado Fiscal Institute)
While the petition drive is on hold due to COVID-19, the following are steps you can take now.
Redistricting and Census
The state budget will need to be cut about $4 billion. What does this have to do with redistricting? A couple of million was proposed to set up the redistricting process; at this point we do not know what will happen to this money when the cuts begin. Redistricting is mandated and needs to be funded but will this be at a level adequate for commissioners and staffs to do their work. Supporters of good redistricting methods see adequate funding as essential. More than $2 million is needed for this effort.
In addition, the US Census Bureau has requested a change in deadlines for the collection of census data. The extension would go beyond the original August final deadline. This means that the data that goes to the governors to be used in redistricting will be delayed by a few months as well. The Colorado redistricting proposals have specific dates in them with some controlled by the Colorado Constitution. How do the commissions and state work with this significant discrepancy?
The Joint Budget Committee will receive and hear a revised revenue forecast on Tuesday, May 18. We will get a better picture of the outlook for Colorado at that time and for issues of importance to the League. |