The right to vote and to unimpeded participation in the electoral process is the essence of American democracy. For the disenfranchised and for communities of color, who have historically suffered the most from discrimination in voting, and who continue to be disproportionately affected by problems with the existing system, this is a critical issue. But it should equally be the concern of every American worried about ensuring that each voter is given a chance to cast his or her ballot, that every vote cast is accurately counted, and that the results reflect voters' intentions.
Join national experts as well as state and regional activists for working sessions on key voting reforms.
Discuss instant runoff voting, challenging at-large voting systems, and implementing the sweeping federal "Help America Vote Act" in our state.
Help develop strategies for a compelling and effective voting reform agenda for presentation to the Massachusetts State Legislature this year.
The federal "Help America Vote Act" (HAVA) offers important new opportunities to deal with recurring election flaws and expand the franchise through tested reforms like election day registration. It also can be used to address the problem of substantial vote suppression in historically marginalized communities. Its successful implementation will depend on the extent to which state and local activists and progressive policy makers mobilize in support of far-sighted and protective state goals. This session will discuss ways to make this happen in Massachusetts.
Session 2: Instant Runoff Voting.Instant runoff voting (IRV) is a winner-take-all voting system that ensures that a winning candidate has support from a substantial number of voters. By allowing voters to indicate their first and second choices in a single trip to the polls, IRV also eliminates the need for "delayed" runoff elections. Learn from successful campaigns in San Francisco and Vermont and discuss how to make this reform a reality. Hear how New York's system of fusion also addresses concerns about our current system.
This session will discuss how to build grassroots and leadership support for election reform bills for 2003. Topics will include: instant runoff voting; Election Day registration; full provisional voting; time off to vote; disabled access to voting equipment, and creating a representative Election Reform Citizens Commission.
Session 2: Challenging At-Large Voting Systems in Municipal Elections.At-large voting systems in local elections throughout the Northeast and the country in general have thwarted opportunities to elect bodies that truly represent the diversity of our communities. Learn how to build support for full representation models that will provide all voices a chance to be heard.