FairVote Minnesota
PO BOX 19440
Minneapolis, MN 55419

March 7, 2008

Minneapolis City Council
350 South Fifth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Subject: Importance of expediting 2009 voting system implementation process

Dear City Council Members:

We would like to express our gratitude to the Elections Committee in undertaking an assessment of the progress being made toward implementing Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) in 2009. As the discussion in the February 28th Elections Committee unfolded, we became aware of some key factors that seem to shape implementation possibilities and opportunities for 2009 implementation. As citizens of Minneapolis–and eager to experience our first IRV city election in 2009– we would like to put forward our understanding of some key opportunities moving forward to reach the goal of implementing IRV in 2009.

In the presentation to the City Council at the February 28^th meeting, it was reported that vendor-estimated timelines for equipment certification are at least 12 months and possibly as long as 24 months, creating concerns about the possibility of securing a certified voting system for the 2009 elections. However, certification has actually taken far less time and voting equipment vendor, Sequoia, is expected to secure certification of its new IRV equipment in approximately 7 months, assuming no glitches in the process. As highlighted in the presentation, Sequoia submitted an application for IRV equipment in August of last year and certification should be completed this month (March, 2008). Based on a recent estimate from the Elections Assistance Commission, a year should be more than sufficient for certification.

This means that certification of an IRV equipment system is certainly within reach for the 2009 election. Sequoia’s IRV equipment is scheduled to be used in Pierce County, Washington–which also adopted IRV in 2006–and in San Francisco and Berkeley, California, in the 2008 elections.

In addition to Sequoia as a potential vendor for Minneapolis, several other potential options have been reviewed, including supplemental central scan systems provided by TrueBallot and current vendor, ES&S. These systems are not yet certified and may also require further product development, but it is reasonable to assume that both of these requirements can be met in time for the 2009 Minneapolis election.

To meet this goal in the time remaining between now and November, 2009, a Request for Proposal and related elements of implementation, including developing and adopting IRV election rules, must move forward as quickly as possible.

We support the direction proposed at the February 28^th meeting to begin development of the RFP to obtain bids to rent or purchase machines and urge that steps be taken to expedite this process in whatever ways possible. FairVote Minnesota is able and ready to assist in this process in any way the city may need, including facilitating funding opportunities should the City Council determine there is a need for additional technical expertise and capacity to develop and manage the RFP and advance other components of the work plan.

We hope that the Office of Secretary of State and Hennepin County will work in partnership with the City to address certification and equipment contract issues and to help facilitate implementation in 2009.

We thank the City Council for its leadership in supporting Instant Runoff Voting and in facilitating the goal of 2009 implementation. Minneapolis can be a model for the rest of the state and nation to follow.

Sincerely,

Tyrone Bujold, Chair of the Board

Jeanne Massey, Executive Director

CC:

Mayor R.T. Rybak

Cindy Reichert, Minneapolis Elections Director

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie