The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1915-08-07
THE NEXT BEST VOTING SYSTEM.


Now that the preferential system of voting has
declared unconstitutional it is obviously
for Duluth to either revert to the old system whereby
successful candidate would be allowed to assume Of
flee with plurality vote which represents minority
choice adopt entirely system by which to
elect it's officials.
There is system whereby this seemingly unfair
of the old system be overcome. The Evening
Herald has opened the way for discussion and has
pointed out the way to the next best plan. There is
however but objection to the Herald's proposed
plan and that is that it is carried far to suit
fancy. ~,
The Heralds scheme is essentially the German sys-
in part and follows closely the plan devised by the
Wisconsin legislature for Commission governed cities Of
the Badger state.
The first part Of the plan in opinion is right
and proper 1t amounts to this, that if from field Of
several asprants for political Office the candidate
the highest number of votes majority
of all votes cast that candidate shall be declared
rather shall go the second election ballot unop-
posed This virtually is the system followed any
plan of balloting.
The second part of the proposal is matter largely
of personal choice to whether plurality shall
mate the two candidates who shall go to second
ton whether the nominees chosen at the first election
shall represent majority of all and then al
low plurality to choose the successful candidate
second election.
To Wisconsin situation as a concrete exam
pie let refer back to the mayorality Su-
per1or IN 1872 There approximately 1900 votes
cast The two candidates, from field of SEVEN de-
clared nominated received slightly 1000 votes;
the candidate receiving the second highest
votes received but Sc votes than his nearest op-
ponent It would seem desirable in such stua-
on to require the candidate candidates at first
primary election to represent majority all votes
cast and in the event of three being chosen
at such election, let plurality votes cast If
sary, choose winner.
To use the Herald's example, based on a vote of
10000 "if A got $500, 5000, $500. and 900,
and D would be eliminated the names of and b
would go on the general election ballot" ~:
In this example and B have majority of all
votes cast and therefore logically be
the nominees But suppose instead of four candidates
there should be six candidates A, B, c, D, E and F.
Suppose before there 10000 votes cast
and divided follows A $780, B 1900, 210O D 1900
1000, land F 700. In such event. should and rep.
resenting less than majority of all votes cast be de-
cared as the nominees would it not be more denu:
cratic to extend the nominations include C who
has 20 cent of all votes and is only 100
votes behind B -:
The plan is the next best provided the home rule
charter of Duluth is allowed govern the situation and
also providing that the legislature cannot be I'M
pressed with the necessity making the preferential
system legal.
AS a preliminary suggestion to the charter commits
SION why not modify the preferential system and eli
inmate the third chico modify the third chofce
provision so as to apply this choice to but one can
didate instead of to several.