But when there are three or more candidates, a person can end up winning even though he or she received less than the majority of voter support. Possible voter apathy in future contests. Instant runoff voting ensures the election of a candidate preferred by most voters. If no candidate receives a majority of first rankings, the person with the fewest number of first-place votes is dumped from the list and his or her votes are applied to the voters' second picks. This process continues until one candidate has a clear majority.
Instant runoff is a choice-increasing method.
Not only do voters more often elect a candidate who wasn't at the bottom of their list, but the method avoids the need for a primary contest. This means voters get a longer period to get to know candidates and their ideas. But in the long run, the city would most likely save money because of the elimination of primary races. While passing the amendment allows the city council to consider using the election method, it does not require the city to adopt instant runoff voting or spend even one dollar. A cost analysis would certainly be a top consideration for implementing the system.