This is a major milestone in the legislative process. The Election Laws Committee hearing is the first formal consideration of the IRV bills by legislators. Following this hearing, the ELC will make a recommendation either for or against passage. This is the only opportunity for the public's voice to be heard directly by the Committee.
The hearing begins promptly at 10:00am, in room B-1 of the Statehouse ( Directions - or take the T to Park St. ). There are roughly 70 seats available in the chamber, on a first-come first-served basis. Your presence sends a clear message of public interest in this issue. We will gather on the front steps, near the intersection of Park St. and Beacon St., for a brief rally before entering. Please arrive by 9:30am so we have time to go through security.
If you cannot attend the hearing, there are still some very important things you can do to express your support. The most effective is to send a physical letter (not email) to the members of the committee (see link below). This is especially true if you happen to reside within the district of any of the committee members. Alternatively, you can call, fax, or email the committee or your own representative and encourage them to support IRV. Bear in mind that your own representative may not even be aware that the ELC is considering IRV or even what IRV is.
Another option is to write a letter to your local newspaper, if you can do so in time for publication before the hearing. Following are some helpful links: