| Written by Sentinel News Service, on 06-11-2009 00:00 |
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A measure that aims to dramatically reduce election costs, increase voter participation, and save hard earned taxpayer's money passed the Assembly Monday.
AB 1121, which is authored by Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles), will allow ten general law cities to participate in a pilot project that would allow them to use instant runoff voting. Moreover, this bill will grant these general law jurisdictions the same right's that charter cities now possess in regard to holding an instant runoff election, if they so choose.
Perhaps the most important aspect of this measure is that it will provide significant savings to taxpayers, by eliminating the need for costly runoff elections. For example, in San Francisco instant runoff voting saves the city $2 million per election.
"Taking into account the severity of California's budget crisis, it becomes imperative that law makers attempt to bring forth legislation that can save our state money, AB1121 will achieve that" said Assemblyman Mike Davis.
"AB 1121 is just what the doctor ordered for the state of California. This measure has the real potential to reduce voter fatigue, increase voter participation, decrease negative campaigning and most significantly save the state and local governments money" Davis concluded.
The California Secretary of State, Californians for Electoral Reform and Asian Americans for Civil Rights & Equality, as well as many other organizations support AB 1121.
Assemblyman Mike Davis is the current Chair of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media and is also a member of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Material, among others. He was elected to serve the 48th District in November of 2006. Located in Los Angeles County, the district is home to a wide range of diverse communities including: Arlington Park, Athens, Chesterfield, King Estates, Korea Town, Lafayette Park, Magnolia square, North University Park, University Park, Vermont Knolls, West Adams, West Park Terrace and Wilshire Center.
For more information contact Terry Hatter at (916) 319-2048. Last update: 06-11-2009 00:00
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