 | |
| Type | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Promoting electoral reform in the United States |
| Website | equal.vote |
The Equal Vote Coalition is an American electoral reform advocacy group that advocates for rated and Condorcet voting.[1]
The Equal Vote Coalition was established in 2014. Initially focused on implementing STAR voting in Oregon, the coalition has since expanded its efforts across the United States, working with researchers and activists to promote methods with support from social choice theorists.[2]
The Equal Vote Coalition argues that current voting methods are inherently unequal, leading to an outsized influence of money in politics, hyper-partisan rancor, and widespread electoral disenchantment.[2]
History
editThe Equal Vote Coalition was established in 2014 by Mark Frohnmayer[3] who co-invented the STAR Voting system, and was incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit in 2019.[1] Initially focused on Oregon, the coalition has since expanded its efforts across the United States and internationally, engaging with researchers and activists to promote voting equality.[4]
The organization's first proposal was a 2014 campaign for the unified primary system in Oregon, which incorporated a nonpartisan approval voting primary with a top-two runoff. The unified primary system has since been adopted in St. Louis.
Primary initiatives
editSocial choice theory
editSTAR voting
editSTAR (Score Then Automatic Runoff) voting is the flagship initiative of the Equal Vote Coalition. In STAR Voting, voters rate candidates as in score voting, and the two highest-rated candidates proceed to an automatic runoff. This method aims to eliminate vote splitting, which they argue will encourage more positive campaigning and fairer elections.[5][2]
Other Voting Methods
editIn addition to STAR, the Equal Vote Coalition supports other voting methods that align with its core principles. These include approval and certain Condorcet methods. The group argues these methods can help achieve a more equal and representative voting system while promoting competition.[6] Equal Vote has also advocated for the unified primary system, which consists of an approval voting primary election followed by a top two runoff general election.[7]
The Equal Vote Coalition conducts and supports research into social choice theory as well as educating communities on voting reform. The coalition hosts events such as outreach hours, monthly meetings, and chapter meetings to engage and mobilize activists.
Election Implementation and Consulting
editThe Equal Vote Coalition works with organizations interested in adopting and using recommended voting methods, offering consulting, presentations, resources, and election hosting services. STAR Voting has been adopted and used by the Multnomah County Democratic Party for all internal elections,[8] the Democratic Party of Oregon for presidential delegate elections, and the Independent Party of Oregon for use in primary elections.[9][10]
Under the STAR Elections Project, the Equal Vote Coalition offers online voting resources where users can try STAR voting, including online polls at star.vote.
References
edit- ^ a b "Equal Vote – Citizen Connect". citizenconnect.us. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ a b c "About Us". Equal Vote Coalition. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ "Changing the Ballot – Eugene Weekly". Retrieved 2020-08-30.
- ^ "Campaigns". STAR Voting. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ "Equal Vote and STAR Voting Blog". STAR Voting. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ "Equal Vote Coalition Offers A Fresh Take On the Voting Reform Movement". Great.com. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ "About The Equal Vote Coalition". Equal Vote Coalition. Retrieved 2019-11-06.
- ^ Barker, Joel (2019-10-01). "Multnomah County Democrats Adopt STAR voting for internal party elections". Multnomah County Democrats. Retrieved 2020-08-30.
- ^ "Independent Party of Oregon to utilize STAR system for primary". Herald and News. 8 April 2020. Retrieved 2020-08-30.
- ^ "Pro-Voter Groups Stand Up for Safer, Fairer Elections in This Crisis | Independent Voter News". ivn.us. 8 April 2020. Retrieved 2020-08-30.