As a prideful St. Paul chauvinist , who often looks askance at those wild-and-crazy Minneapolitans, it pains me to urge that we follow their lead and vote on Nov. 3 for instant run-off voting. We St. Paulites tend to resist change for change's sake, but this looks like good change, and worth a try. Ranked-choice voting (yes you get to mark your second choice): makes it more likely that we'll elect candidates who have the broadest support, eliminates those woefully unattended municipal primary elections, and it could actually lead to more civil campaign conduct. In a race with several people running, candidates will think twice about personal attacks that likely would diminish their chance for second-choice votes. The courts have upheld its constitutionality and if it works here and in Minneapolis, there's a good chance it can be adopted statewide.

Dane Smith

Unpublished letter to the St. Paul Villager