CITY COUNCIL, 2005 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE, AND

CITY OF DOVER ELECTION BOARD MEETING

Members of City Council, the 2005 Charter Review Committee, and the City of Dover Election Board met on April 20, 2006 at 5:00 p.m., with Council President Williams presiding and Councilman Ruane present. Members of the 2005 Charter Review Committee present were Mr. Leary (also member of the Election Board), Mrs. Malone, Mrs. Greenwood, and Mr. Jones. Members of the Election Board present were Mr. Leary (also member of the Charter Review Committee), Mr. Foss, Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Legates, and Mr. Garfinkel (arrived at 5:28 p.m.). Mrs. McDowell, Assistant City Clerk, was also present.

INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING - INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION BY ROB RICHIE

Mr. Rob Richie, Executive Director of The Center for Voting and Democracy, reviewed information regarding Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) for members of City Council, the 2005 Charter Review Committee, and the City of Dover Election Board. Mr. Richie also provided a Power Point Presentation of IRV for Tacoma Park, Maryland (Exhibit #1 - City Clerk’s Office Note: the exhibit is sample for Florida, actual presentation was of Tacoma Park, Maryland). He advised members that IRV is a method of voting that determines a majority winner in a single election, no matter how many candidates are running. It combines a regular election and a runoff election between the top candidates into one election. He explained that each voter has the option of ranking candidates in order of choice (1, 2, 3, etc.). Mr. Richie stated that runoffs is a means of assuring that in single-seat elections, the winning candidate has the support of the majority of voters, rather than a mere plurality. He reminded members that when there are two (2) candidates, the winner always reflects a majority; however, that may not be the case when there are three (3) or more candidates. He stated that in a majority system, candidates must gain the support of more than 50% of the voters. Runoffs have proven to be valuable in determining the community consensus and protecting voters from unrepresentative leaders.

Although the voting machines used by the State of Delaware do not currently have the software to allow voters to rank candidates when voting, Mr. Richie explained the various methods that can be used to allow instant runoff voting. He stated that IRV is gaining momentum across the country and state legislatures are taking notice. As IRV continues to work successfully in a growing number of cities, it is catching the attention of state level elected officials. He stated that more state legislation is expected to be introduced in the coming year.

Should the City wish to further consider IRV, Mr. Richie offered to serve as a resource and provide further assistance.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:16 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Beverly C. Williams

Council President

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Exhibits Attached to Original Minutes and File Copy

Exhibit #1 - Power Point Presentation - Instant Runoff Voting by The Center for Voting and Democracy