By Bob Richard

February 24, 2007 -- AB 1662, introduced yesterday by Assemblymember Paul Cook (R-65), includes CfER-sponsored language requiring that active members of the military who are stationed overseas be able to use ranked ballots when voting in elections that might lead to a runoff.

When the first and second rounds of a two-round runoff election occur close together, it can be difficult for absentee voters located overseas to receive their second-round ballots (which aren't printed until the first-round results are known) and return them in time to be counted. Only a small number of California cities have second rounds within 45 days of the first round, but a larger number have second rounds 60 to 70 days after the first.

Because the right to cast an effective vote is at stake, this is a significant problem even if it affects only some voters in only a few jurisdictions.

In the long run, we want to replace two-round runoffs with IRV. In the meantime, providing ranked ballots to those voters who might not be able to receive and return their runoff ballots by a deadline, is a useful reform. Under this bill, affected voters would receive both a normal ballot for the first round, and an optional ranked ballot. Only the normal ballot would be counted in the first round. The ranked ballot would be counted only if there is a runoff (and if the voter does not return a normal runoff ballot). It would count for the candidate who receives the highest ranking of those candidates who made the runoff.

AB 1662 has since been amended to require that ranked ballots be sent to all overseas absentee voters rather than just active military stationed overseas, to clarify that the procedure is not instant runoff voting and does not required equipment upgrades, and to improve the description of the procedure.

Arkansas, Louisiana and South Carolina have already adopted this reform. A bill to expand it from active military to all overseas absentee voters is making progress through the Arkansas legislature. And the city of Springfield, Illinois will vote on a similar measure affecting local elections on April 7.

Other provisions of AB 1662 -- not sponsored by CfER -- would allow Federal absentee ballot paperwork to serve in lieu of prior voter registration for overseas absentee voters, and would authorize state and/or county participation in the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s pilot project that would allow persons who register and vote overseas to vote electronically pursuant to federal regulations. The second provision is contingent on funding and authorizes participation rather than requires it.

A one-page fact sheet is here. The text of AB 1662 itself is on the Legislature's website.

Endorsements and letters of support should be addressed to:

Assemblyman Paul Cook
State Capitol
Room 5164
Sacramento, CA 95814

Fax: (916) 319-2165

Bob Richard is Marin County Coordinator for Californians for Electoral Reform (CfER).

Last revised August 28, 2007