On June 6, the California Assembly passed AB 1294, the bill to let all counties and cities use Instant-Runoff Voting for elections for their own officers. Under current law, only charter cities and counties are free to make that decision. This is the first time either house of the California legislature has ever passed any bill in favor of alternative vote systems. The vote was 47-31.
Does this mean state legislation would have to be passed for a city to use, say, Approval Voting?
In answer to Clay Shentrup’s question, it depends on whether the city (or county) has a home rule charter. If so, then no change in state law would be required; a charter amendment would be enough. The state Government Code, which governs in the absence of a local charter, currently requires plurality for cities and districts, and two-round runoff (June and November) for counties.
AB 1294 would also benefit charter cities and counties. It spells out many of the details of IRV and choice voting, so there will be fewer objections from election officials and less hassle getting voting systems upgraded.
Thanks for the info Bob. Hopefully San Francisco has a home rule charter so, with hard work, it could potentially be upgraded to Approval Voting.