CITY ELECTIONS 2009: Minneapolis RCV/IRV Primer and BET Ballot Question

2009 is the year of Minnesota municipal elections, and among the most interesting of them are those in Minneapolis and St. Paul. This week and October 28th, we talk about Minneapolis election processes, candidates and the two ballot issues. We will talk about St. Paul's election issues October 21st.

This week: Part One: Minneapolis implements its new system called Ranked Choice Voting (AKA Instant Run-off Voting), passed by voters two years ago and eliminating the primary election in the process. How will this work? How about multiple seat boards and commissions? How to make sure you get your vote counted? Our guests explain it all.
(Wonder where you vote? Find your PRECINCT.)
SAMPLE BALLOT (Ward 2 in this case)

PART ONE GUESTS:

• PAT O'CONNOR - Interim City Elections Director, Minneapolis

• ONA ABDERHOLDEN KELLER - RCV Outreach Coordinator, Common Cause/Minnesota

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Part Two: Minneapolis voters will decide whether or not to retain its unique Board of Estimate and Taxation. The Question: "Should the City of MInneapolis adopt a change in its charter to the composition of the Board of Estimate and Taxation so that the Board's membership consists of the members of the City Council, with the actions of the Board subject to the powers and duties of the Mayor?"*

PART TWO GUESTS:

• DON FRASER - former Mayor of Minneapolis, former US Representative (*against* BET abolition)

• JOAN NIEMIEC - former Minneapolis City Councilmember; Chair, Minneapolis League of Women Voters City Governance Study Committee; Access League Reports and Positions on City Governance Issues HERE (*for* BET abolition)

• AND YOU! CALL 612-341-0980 and Talk to Us! Can't get us on the radio? *Stream us LIVE and LATER at KFAI.org