HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20090202IRV Primer _ 1 _
INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING PRIMER
Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) is a voting system used in elections in which voters can
rank candidates in order of preference. In an IRV election, if no candidate receives a
majority of first choices, the candidate with the fewest number of votes is eliminated and
ballots cast for that candidate are redistributed to the surviving candidates according to
the voters' indicated preference. This process is repeated until one candidate obtains a
majority.
A ballot question in November 2007 changed Aspen's voting system from a regular
election and runoff and directed Council to adopt procedures for Instant runoff voting
before the May 2009 election. The Charter change also requires a candidate for Council
to receive 50% plus of the vote in order to be elected. Staff and a committee of citizens
have worked on these procedures over the past several months. Council approved that
committee in September 2008.
At your February 9`h meeting, staff will forward an ordinance for ls` reading to adopt
these procedures. We scheduled this work session to give Council time to review the
procedures and ask questions.
Runoff elections approved by the voters in 2000 and held in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007.
We have structured Aspen's election procedures to be similar to the elections plus runoff
as used in the past.
Mavor Race
The ballot for the Mayor's race will look like this:
MAYOR
Two Year Te rm, Vote for OnelColumn
,use 2ntl 3rd 4th
Choice choice choice choice
Fill in one oval per choice Your 2"d or 3r0 choice will be considered if
your 1" choice Loses
Mark only one circle aer column or per row
Colonel Mustard O O O O
Scarlett O'Hara O O O O
Nicholas Nickleby O O O O
Eleanor Rigby O O O O
Before, if there were 4 candidates for Mayor in a May election and no candidate received
a majority, in June there would have been 2 candidates. In IRV, if there are 4 candidates
for Mayor and no candidate receives a majority, the two candidates with the lowest vote
IRV Primer
totals are eliminated and the votes are recounted reassigning the votes of the candidates
who were eliminated to their highest remaining candidate, if there is one.
Colonel Mustard 22
Scazlett O'Haza 42*
Nicholas Nickleb 25
Eleanor Rigby 27*
Round 1
119 voters - 3 spoiled ballots = 116 votes for Mayor X .50 = 58 plus 1 = 59 votes
needed to win and there is no candidate who meets the threshold in this round.
Round 2
The top two vote getters enter Round 2. Each ballot is recounted as follows:
Everyone who voted for the Colonel and Nickleby will have their second choice votes
added to the candidate remaining in the race.
Scarlett O'Haza 63
Eleanor Rigby 47
Scarlett O'Haza is elected.
Council Race The ballot for City Council will look like this:
-2-
No community has exactly the same parameters for Council seat as Aspen. While a
single seat contest is straightforward, the Council race in Aspen is for two seats and each
candidate must garner 50% plus 1 vote to be elected.
IRV Primer
GITY COUNCIL
(four year term)
Two Cily Council Members will be eledetl for 4-year terms .. Rank your choices i n columns 1 through H. Your fr st and
second choices will be count ed in the first round of tallies. Do NOT duplicate your chdces.
Vote for Vde for Vote for Vote for Voteior Vote for
ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE
. .3ra 4tl1 .St11 gth 71h Bih
Mark onl one circle er cola m
si`'~'
Jack B. Nimble _ °°w ;fr
t~ 4
n n
n
n
n
n
_
Greta Greernvood ~.5 n n n n n n
;~s
David Crockett -=
~ n n n n n n
;
TravisThompson ~~
~j ~
i n n n n n n
_
a
L~' i
9 ~ h~i
~
-
Che Guevara t]
~
l ° , n n n n n n
~
! I_~ ai~14
-~ '
John O. Adams ~
;f_ ~m~ n n n n n n
'`"'
Wilbur Mills °:"~~ -
~, - n n n n n n
F
"m
Peter Romanov n n n n n n
m
a
A two-seat race where each candidate has to receive 50% plus 1 vote to be elected is
much more challenging. The committee went through several different ways to count the
Council runoff, choosing to emulate the previous elections and have batch elimination. If
there were 8 candidates running for two seats, all first and second choices on a ballot
would be counted (as in previous elections, electors were able to vote for two Council
candidates).
SCENARIO A
Round 1
In this example 115 ballots were cast with the following results after counting the lsr and
2"d choices on each ballot.
Jack B. Nimble 42*
Greta Greenwood 50*
David Crockett 36*
Travis Thom son 17
Che Guevaza 26*
John Q. Adams 21
Wilbur Mills 13
Peter Romanov 25
3-
IRV Primer
With 115 ballots cast, i.e. 115 voters participated in this Round 1, the threshold is 115 X
50% = 57.5 plus 1 = 58.
No candidates in round 1 received the required 50% plus 1 so the 4 candidates with the
highest votes continued to round 2. All the votes for the 4 candidates being eliminated
are now allocated to the remaining candidates with the highest votes according to their
second choices.
Round 2 Two Winners
Jack B. Nimble 57*
Greta Greenwood 67*
David Crockett 55
Che Guevara 46
In this case, 113 ballots were counted. Thus, the threshold is 113 X 50% plus 1 = 57.
Two candidates met the threshold in round 2 and are elected. The threshold is lower
because two voters did not cast any votes for candidates still in the race. Those ballots
are deemed blank.
Scenario A-2
Round 2 One Winner
In the following example, the threshold is sti1157 and the two highest votes are counted;
however, in this case, one candidate, Greta Greenwood reaches the threshold and is
elected.
Jack B. Nimble 55
Greta Greenwood 67*
David Crockett 53
Che Guevara 48
Since one candidate is elected, the next two highest vote getters move into Round 3.
Round 3
In this Round 3, all ballots are recounted, giving the highest vote cast to the candidate
remaining in the election. This yields the following result:
Jack B. Nimble 57
_
David Crocket 53
-4-
At this point, the candidate with the most votes will have a majority of the votes cast and
will be elected.
IRV Primer
Scenario A-3
In this scenario no candidate meets threshold in Round 2, above, the lowest vote getter is
eliminated. The two highest rankings for the candidates remaining are counted. This
yields the following results:
Jack B. Nimble 55
Greta Greenwood 67
David Crockett 53
In this example Greta Greenwood is elected and Jack B. Nimble and David Crockett are
recounted as Round 3, above.
SCENARIO B
Rouud 1
In this example, as in Scenario A, 115 ballots were cast with the following results after
the count of the 15` and 2"d choices on each ballot:
Jack B. Nimble 42
Greta Greenwood 60*
David Crockett 36
Travis Thom son 15
Che Guevara 24
John Q. Adams 21
Wilbur Mills 10
Peter Romanov 22
With 115 ballots cast, i.e. 115 voters participated in this Round 1, the threshold is 115 X
50% = 57.5 plus 1 = 58. This threshold is needed to be elected.
In this case Greta Greenwood is elected. The next two highest vote getters enter Round
2.
Rouud 2
All ballots are recounted giving the highest ranking to the candidate who is still in the
race.
-5-
Jack B. Nimble 57
David Crockett 53
IRV Primer
-6-
In this example, 110 ballots are cast for one of these two candidates. Thus, the threshold
is 56. Jack B. Nimble wins. In all cases, the threshold will be met unless there is a tie.
Ties are broken pursuant to set procedures.
City of Aspen
Instant Runoff Voting Procedures Manual
City Clerk's Office
City of Aspen
130 S. Galena St.
Aspen, Colorado 81611
January 2009
MAYOR'S CERTIFICATION
I, the undersigned, as Mayor of the City of Aspen, pursuant to Section 2.26.030, of the Aspen
Municipal Code, do hereby certify that this "Instant Runoff Procedures Manual" (version:
February 2009) is a true and correct copy of the latest version of said Manual reviewed and
approved by the City Council by Ordinance No. Series or 2009.
Dated this _ day of
By:
Mayor, City of Aspen
Attest
City Clerk of the City of Aspen
2
1 Introduction
1.1 Background
On September 4, 2007, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 38, Series of 2007, amending
Sections 2.7 and 3.2 of the Aspen City Home Rule Charter to require the City Council to adopt
and implement instant runoff voting procedures for the election of Mayor and
Councilmembers, and to require Councilmembers to be elected by majority vote. On November
6, 2007, the electorate of the City of Aspen did approve Ordinance No. 38, Series of 2007. On
2009, the City Council did adopt Ordinance No. _, Series of 2009, for the
adoption of a new Chapter 2.26 of the Aspen Municipal Code establishing procedures for the
conduct of instant runoff voting elections. That ordinance requires that the City Clerk adopt a
Procedural Manual to guide the conduct of instant runoff voting elections. The City Clerk has
met with a number of citizens of the City of Aspen for the purpose of formulating instant runoff
voting procedures and said committee of citizens has assisted in the development of this
manual of procedural guidelines for conducting elections using instant runoff voting methods
for the election of Mayor and Councilmembers for the City of Aspen.
1.2 Instant Runoff Voting
Instant runoff voting (IRV) is used for both single and multiple seat contests. In Aspen, IRV is
used to select the office of Mayor and Councilmembers. IRV is a majoritarian voting method
because, in the end, over 50% of participating voters elect the winner. IRV simulates a series of
runoff elections in a single election.
1.3 Voter Intent.
The City of Aspen hereby adopts and incorporates herein the Voter Intent - A Guide to the
Determination of Voter Intent for Colorado Elections (2008), adopted by the Colorado Secretary
of State (hereinafter "State Voter Intent Guide"), attached hereto as Attachment 3.
2 Definitions.
To the extent not contrary to the definitions set forth in the State Voter Intent Guide,
Attachment 3 ,the following definitions shall apply to this document:
Blank ballot - Blank ballots shall also include ballots that cast no vote for a continuing
candidate. (See, also, "Undervote", Attachment 1.)
City Clerk -means the City Clerk of the City of Aspen or his or her designee.
3
Continuing candidate - means a candidate who has not been eliminated.
Damaged ballot - means a ballot that has been torn, bent, or otherwise mutilated or
rendered unreadable, so that it cannot be processed by an optical scanner ballot reader.
Duplicated ballot - means a true copy of a ballot that is made in order to be properly
processed and counted due to damage, improper marking or some other reason which
would prevent a ballot tabulating machine from accurately reading the ballot (if such a
machine is used.)
Defective ranking - means a ballot in which more than one candidate is given the same
ranking. (See "Defective Ranking", Attachment 1.)
Duplicate ranking -describes the process by which a voter ranks the same candidate at
multiple rankings. (See "Duplicate Ranking", Attachment 1.)
Exhausted ballot - means a ballot that cannot be counted for a lower ranked candidate
because the next rankings are blank or there is more than one candidate given the next
ranking. (See "Exhausted Ballot", Attachment 1.)
Majority - as used in the mayoral election, shall mean the next whale number greater
than fifty percent (50%) of the votes cast.
Overvote - describes a race or ballot which contains votes for more than the maximum
number of candidates or responses for a ballot measure allowed. (See "Overvote",
Attachment 1.)
Tabulation center -means the place selected where a central count electronic voting
system is used for the automatic or hand processing and tabulation of ballots.
Ranked-choice voting - means a method of casting and tabulating votes that allows
electors to rank candidates for an office in order of preference and uses these
preferences to determine the winner of the election.
Round- means a stage ofthe tabulation of a ranked voting contest in which votes may
be counted, and candidates elected or eliminated.
Skipped ranking -describes the process by which a voter leaves a ranking blank and
ranks a candidate at a subsequent ranking. (See "Skipped Ranking', Attachment 1.)
4
Threshold -means the minimum number of votes that a candidate must receive in
order to be elected to the City Council. The threshold amount may change as voting
continues. See 6.2.1, below.
Undervote -means the occurrence when the voter does not vote for a candidate in a
race, or for or against a ballot measure, or, when more than one person in a race is
available, the voter does not vote the maximum number of votes allowed.
Write-in Vote - means a vote on a ballot on which the voter physically writes in the
name of a legally qualified write-in candidate in the space reserved on the ballot for
write-in votes and properly marks the oval or connects the arrow on optical scan ballots
according to the directions provided to the voter.
3 Ballots
3.1 Ballot Format.
Ballots shall be designed to allow an elector to rank as many choices as there are
candidates.
Ballots shall be designed to allow the elector to rank no less than two write-in
candidates.
3.2 Ballot Instructions
All ballots shall include instructions to voters that substantially instruct voters as
follows:
INSTRUCTIONS: Mark your first choice in the first column by completely filling in the
oval next to your choice, as shown in the picture. To indicate a second choice, select a
different candidate in the second column. To indicate a third choice, select a different
candidate in the third column. Proceed in the same manner to indicate all of your
choices in the order of your preference.
1. Rank candidates in order of preference.
2. You may rank as few candidates as you wish or as many as is
allowed.
3. Do not skip rankings.
4. Do not give the same ranking to more than one candidate.
5. Do not rank the same candidate more than once.
(See Example Ballot, Attachment 2.)
5
3.3 Uniformity across ballot types
If more than one type of voting equipment or ballot will be used in a ranked voting contest, all
equipment and ballot types used shall provide substantially similar instructions and shall allow
voters to rank the same number of candidates and write-ins.
4 General Tabulation Provisions
4.1 Determination of winners
To determine the winners of a ranked voting contest, the tabulation method of Section 5 or
Section 6 shall be used, depending on whether the number of seats to fill is one or more than
one, respectively.
4.2 Summary reports
The City Clerk shall issue the following reports as soon as feasible:
(i) A summary report listing the total number of votes for each candidate in each
round;
(ii) A comprehensive report listing the results in the summary report by precinct.
Preliminary versions of the summary report shall be made available to the public as soon as
possible after the commencement of the official tabulation of votes. Preliminary reports shall
be clearly marked as "Preliminary."
4.5 Publicizing tabulation procedures
In advance of the election, the City Clerk shall conduct an education and outreach campaign
prior to each election to familiarize electors with ranked choice voting. The education and
outreach program shall include sample ballots and examples of ranked choice voting methods
and tabulations.
5 Instant Runoff Votinl±- Sin>;le Seat Contest (Ranked Choice)
5.1 OVERVIEW
Instant Runoff voting for Mayor is a majoritarian voting method using ranked choice voting
designed to accommodate more than two candidates seeking the office of the mayor. Each
voter may rank candidates by preference from first choice to last choice. Votes are tabulated
until one candidate has a majority of the votes cast. That candidate shall be declared the
winner.
6
It should be noted that as in any election there is a mathematical possibility, albeit slight, that
voting could be completed following all rounds of voting with two or more candidates tied
without achieving a majority. A tie break system is set forth in Section 5.2.4, below.
5.2 TABULATION OF VOTES FOR MAYOR
5.2.1. Round One, Initial Tabulation of Votes
In the initial ballot tabulation, all first ranked votes that are cast shall be counted for the
candidate who received that vote. If a candidate receives a majority of all of the first ranked
votes cast in the election, then that candidate shall be declared the winner.
In the event that no candidate receives a majority of the first ranked votes cast, then the
instant runoff procedure set forth below shall be commenced.
5.2.2 Commencement Of Instant Runoff Vote
Round Two
In the event that no candidate receives a majority of the total of the first ranked votes, then the
two candidates with the highest vote total shall enter the instant runoff tabulation. In the
event that the lowest vote total of the candidate that would enter the instant runoff tabulation
is tied between or among two or more candidates, then all candidates with that vote total shall
enter the instant runoff tabulation. (In the unlikely event that the number of candidates in the
second position equal the remaining number of candidates, then the tie break procedure shall
be employed so that only two candidates move forward into this round.) In this Round Two
tabulation, all ballots shall be recounted giving the highest ranked vote for a continuing
candidate to that candidate.. By way of example, if a ballot contains a first ranked vote for
candidate A, a second ranked vote for candidate B, a third ranked vote for candidate C and a
fourth ranked vote for candidate D, but candidates A and B are not in the runoff because of the
failure to be one of the top two vote getters in a preceding round, then the third ranked vote
for candidate C shall be counted. Following a count of all the ballots, the candidate who
receives the most votes shall be declared the winner. In the event there were three or more
candidates in this round due to a tie in the initial tabulation, the candidate with the most votes
shall be declared the winner, so long as the candidate has received a majority of the votes cast
in this round. In the event that the candidate who has received the most votes does not have a
majority, then the candidates with the two highest vote totals shall enter Round Three. In the
event of a tie between the two candidates with the second highest vote totals, then the tie-
break procedure set forth below shall be used so that only two candidates enter Round Three.
Round Three
In the event that no candidate receives a majority in Round Two, then the two candidates with
the highest vote total shall proceed into this Round Three. The counting procedure shall
remain the same for Round Three as in Round Two. After completion of the tabulation in
Round Three, the candidate with the most votes shall be declared the winner and the election
shall be completed.
5.2.4 Determination of Tie Votes.
In the event that a tie exists at any level of the proceeding that would prevent moving forward
without a resolution of the tie, the tie shall be resolved pursuant to this section.
The first tie-breaker shall be based upon the number first ranked votes, with the candidate with
the largest number of first ranked votes being determined the winner of the tie breaker. In the
event that number shall be tied, then the winner shall be determined by lot pursuant to
Colorado State Statute, C.R.S. Section 31-10-1204,
6 Instant Runoff Votine -Multiple Seat Contest (Ranked Choice)
6.1 OVERVIEW
Instant Runoff voting for City Council is also a majoritarian voting method using ranked choice
voting designed to accommodate multiple candidates seeking two open seats. If necessary, the
ballots are counted in a series of rounds. Each voter may rank candidates by preference from
first choice to last choice. Votes are tabulated until two candidates who have the most votes
also receive the threshold number of votes to be declared the winner.
It should be noted that as in any election there is a mathematical possibility, albeit slight, that
voting could be completed following all rounds of voting with two or more candidates tied
without achieving the threshold. A tie-break system that is consistent with Colorado State
Statute is set forth herein.
6.2 TABULATION OF VOTES FOR CITY COUNCIL
6.2.1 Commencement of Tabulation/Threshold Calculation
6.2.1 a. Initial Threshold.
At the commencement of the vote tabulation, the City Clerk shall certify the total number of
votes cast for City Council and the number required to be elected to a seat on the City Council,
which by Charter is defined as fifty percent (50%) of the total ballots casts for city council plus
one vote. All ballots with a counted first (1~t) or second (2"d) ranking for a candidate for City
Council shall be counted in the total number of votes cast. Blank ballots for City Council shall
not be counted in this total. By way of example, if 2000 ballots are cast in the election,
including four blank ballots for City Council, then a candidate will need the highest number or
second highest number of votes of all the candidates and at least 999 votes in order to be
deemed a winner of a council seat. (((2000-4) +2) + 1 = 999). This number shall be referred to
below as the "initial threshold".
6.2.1 b. Instant Runoff Thresholds.
If the instant runoff is necessary, the threshold shall be recalculated for each Round of the
Instant Runoff. The Clerk shall count all of the ballots that cast a vote for any candidate who is
remaining in the Instant Runoff. If a ballot does not cast a vote in the appropriate rounds for
any candidate remaining in the Instant Runoff that ballot shall be deemed a blank ballot. Blank
ballots for shall not be counted in this threshold total. By way of example, if 2000 votes were
cast in the election with four blank votes for City Council, then the threshold is 999, as set forth
above. If after the initial tabulation, 6 additional ballots did not rank any of the remaining
candidates for the round being counted, those ballots shall also be deemed blank. Thus, the
threshold would be 996. (((2000-4-6)=2) + 1= 996).
6.2.1 c. Miscellaneous Threshold Rules.
In the event that the number of ballots cast is odd, fifty percent is a fraction. The next whole
number shall be deemed the threshold. By way of example. If 2000 votes are cast and five are
deemed blank ballots the threshold shall be 998. ((2000-5) +2 = 997.5. The next whole number
is 998.)
6.2.2. Round One -Initial Tabulation of Votes
All votes cast for first and second ranked candidates shall be counted in Round One, the initial
ballot tabulation. The two candidates who receive the most votes among the first and second
ranked votes casts shall be declared the winners, so long as the candidate has received the
initial threshold determined by the Clerk pursuant to 6.2.1.a., above. In the event that the two
candidates who have received the most votes have both reached the initial threshold in the
Round One ballot tabulation, then both candidates shall be declared winners and the election
shall be deemed completed.
In the event that one or more of the candidates who have received the highest vote total in the
initial tabulation have not reached the initial threshold, then the instant runoff voting
procedures set forth below shall commence.
6.2.3 Commencement of Instant Runoff Vote
Instant Runoff Vote shall be conducted under the following circumstances:
1. The candidate with the most votes does not achieve the initial threshold, thus, no
candidate is elected in Round One, the initial vote tabulation (See, 6.2.3. a., below.);
2. The candidate with the most votes reaches the initial threshold but the candidate
with the next highest vote does not reach the initial threshold; thus, only one
candidate is elected in Round One, the initial vote tabulation (See 6.2.3. b., below);
3. The candidate with the most votes achieves the initial threshold, but two candidates
with an equal number of votes also achieve the initial threshold, thus, only the one
candidate who has the most votes is elected in Round One, the initial vote
tabulation (See 6.2.3. c., below);
4. Three candidates achieve the initial threshold but all three have an equal number of
votes in the initial tabulation, thus, no candidate is elected in Round One, the initial
vote tabulation (See 6.2.3. c., below).
6.2.3. a. Procedure If No Candidate Receives the Initial Threshold in Round One
In the event that no candidate receives the initial threshold set forth above, and there are more
than four candidates in the election, the following instant runoff procedure shall be
implemented:
Round Two
In the event that no candidate receives the initial threshold in Round One, then the four
candidates with the highest vote total shall enter Round Two. In the event that the lowest vote
total of the candidates who would enter the instant runoff tabulation is tied, then all candidates
with that vote total shall enter the instant runoff tabulation. (In the unlikely event that the
number of candidates in the fourth position equal the remaining number of candidates, then
the tie break procedure set forth in Section 6.2.4, below, shall be employed so that only one of
the candidates with the lowest vote total moves forward into this round.) In this Round Two
tabulation, all ballots shall be recounted giving the two highest ranked votes to those
candidates who remain in the runoff. By way of example, if a ballot contains a first ranked vote
for candidate A, a second ranked vote for candidate B, a third ranked vote for candidate C and a
fourth ranked vote for candidate D, but candidates A and C are not in the runoff because of the
failure to be one of the top four vote getters in Round One, candidate B and D each receive one
vote. In this example if A, B and C have been eliminated then Candidate D receives one vote
and the candidate ranked fifth receives a vote. Following a count of all the ballots, the two
candidates who receive the most votes shall be declared the winners, so long as the candidate
has received the threshold determined by the Clerk pursuant to 6.2.1.b., above. In the event
that both of the two candidates who have received the most votes have reached the threshold
in this Round Two, then both candidates shall be declared winners and the election shall be
deemed completed. In the event that one or more of the candidates who have received the
10
highest vote total in this Round Two have not reached the threshold, then Round Three shall be
commenced.
Round Three
a. Round Three -Three Candidates.
In the event that no candidate receives the threshold set forth above for Round Two of the
instant runoff tabulation, then the candidate with the least highest vote total shall be
eliminated. In Round Three, if three candidates remain, the votes shall be counted so that the
two highest rankings shall be counted. By way of example, if a ballot contains a first ranked
vote for candidate A, a second ranked vote for candidate B, a third ranked vote for candidate C
and a fourth ranked vote for candidate D, but candidates A and B have been eliminated, then
candidates C and D each receive a vote. After completion of the tabulation in Round Three, if
the candidate or candidates with the most votes receive the threshold calculated for this Round
Three, then that candidate or those candidates shall be deemed the winner or winners. If the
two candidates with the highest votes both achieve the threshold, then both shall be deemed
the winners and the election shall be completed. If the candidate with the second highest vote
total does not achieve the threshold for this Round Three, then the two remaining candidates
shall enter Round Four.
b. Round Three -Two Candidates.
In the event that one candidate achieves the threshold set forth in paragraph 6.2.1.b., above, in
Round Two of the instant runoff tabulation, then the two candidates with the next highest vote
totals shall enter Round Three of the instant runoff tabulation. In the event that the lowest
vote total of these positions is tied, then all candidates with that vote total shall enter the
instant runoff tabulation. In this Round Three only the highest ranked vote for a candidate still
in Round Three shall be counted. By way of example, if candidates A and B are the only
candidates remaining in the Round and an elector ranked A as his or her third choice and B as
the fourth choice, then A shall receive a vote. The candidate who receives the highest number
of votes and achieves the threshold shall be declared the winner of this tabulation and the
election shall be deemed completed. If there were more than two candidates in this Round
Three, due to a previous tie, if no one is elected in this Round Three, the candidate with the
lowest total shall be eliminated and the counting procedure with the recipients of the two
highest vote totals shall be conducted in Round Four. In the event of a tie vote between the
final two remaining candidates, then the winner shall be determined pursuant to paragraph
6.2.4, below.
Round Four
If a fourth or fifth round is required, the same procedure shall be utilized until the candidate
with the highest vote total achieves the threshold set forth for that round.
11
6.2.3. b. Procedure If One Candidate Is Elected In Round One
In the event that the candidate who receives the most votes also receives the initial threshold
in Round One, the initial vote tabulation, then that candidate shall be deemed the winner of
one city council seat. The two candidates with the next highest vote totals shall enter the
instant runoff tabulation. In the event that the lowest vote total of these two positions is tied,
then all candidates with that vote total shall enter Round Two. The voting procedure set forth
in Section 6.2.3.a., Round Three -Two Candidates, above shall continue until the candidate
with the highest vote total achieves the threshold for this instant runoff round. That candidate
shall be declared the winner of the second council seat. In this case, a third round or
subsequent round of voting would only be required in the event that there was a tie between
or among one or more candidates with the lowest vote total needed to move on from one
round to another. In the event of a tie vote between the final two remaining candidates, then
the winner shall be determined pursuant to Section 6.2.4., below.
6.2.3. c. Procedure If Three Candidates Achieve Threshold In Initial Vote Tabulation but
All Have Received An Equal Number Of Votes or the Two Candidates with the
Lowest Vote Totals have an Eaual Number of Votes.
Round Two-Three Candidates
In the event that three candidates have received the threshold but all three have received an
equal number of votes in the initial tabulation (Round One, above) then Round Two shall be
conducted among the three candidates, with the two highest ranked votes on all ballots
counted. Since all candidates met the initial threshold, the two candidates with the highest
vote totals in this Round shall be elected. In the event of a tie between the two lowest vote
getters, then the Candidate with the highest vote total shall be deemed elected. The two
remaining candidates shall enter Round Three.
Round Two-Two Candidates
In the event that three candidates reach the threshold with the candidates with the lower vote
total tied, the candidate with the highest vote total shall be deemed the winner. The two other
candidates shall enter Round Two, where all votes are recounted with the highest ranked vote
for these two remaining candidates counted. If after this count the vote is still tied, then the tie
break procedure set forth in Section 6.2.4 below shall determine the winner.
Round Three.
If a Round Three is required due to tie in Round Two -Three Candidates, the procedure set
forth for Round Two -Two Candidates shall be conducted.
12
6.2.4. Determination of Tie Votes.
In the event that a tie exists at any level of the proceeding that would prevent moving forward
without a resolution of the tie, the tie shall be resolved pursuant to this section.
The first tie-breaker shall be based upon the number first ranked votes, with the candidate with
the largest number of first ranked votes being determined the winner of the tie breaker. In the
event that that number shall be tied, then the winner shall be determined by lot pursuant to
Colorado State Statute, C.R.S. Section 31-10-1204.
7. Tabulation Center.
The City Clerk shall designate one location within the City of Aspen to serve as the ranked-
choice voting tabulation center prior to each election. The center shall be reasonably accessible
to the public for the purpose of observing the vote tabulation. At a minimum, the City Clerk
shall arrange the counting of ballots so that the candidates and their representatives may
observe the ballots as they are counted. The City Clerk shall ensure that public observation does
not interfere with the counting of the ballots.
8 Hand Tabulation Provisions.
8.1 General Provisions.
This section shall apply only to ranked voting contests tabulated by hand.
8.2 Uniform Counting Standards.
Pursuant to Section 1-7-309, C.R.S., judges counting ballots shall take into consideration the
intent of the voter. To the extent not contrary to the rules set forth in the State Voter Intent
Guide, Attachment 3 ,the following rules shall apply
a. When a defective ranking is encountered during the tabulation the column
containing the defective ranking shall be deemed an overvote. No votes in that ranking column
nor any vote in a subsequent ranking column shall be counted and the ballot is deemed blank at
that point.
b. When a duplicate ranking is encountered, the first ranking of the duplication shall be
counted. No further votes on the ballot shall be counted.
13
8.3 Ballots not Counted.
Ballots not counted because of election judges' inability to determine the elector's intent for all
candidates shall be marked "defective" on the back, banded together and separated from the
other ballots, returned to the ballot box, and preserved by the City Clerk pursuant to Section 1-
7-801, C.R.S.
8.4 Recounts
Recount shall be permitted in accordance with state laws and conducted in accordance with the
rules set forth in the latest version of the "Election Rules of the Colorado Secretary of State."
9 Chan>;es to Procedures
The City Clerk may change the procedures described in this document to accommodate any
voting equipment that may be available for processing votes or for tabulating votes, provided
that the new procedures are in substantial compliance with the procedures described here, the
smallest feasible number of changes is made, and the changes to the tabulation procedures are
made public in accordance with this document.
10 Recess in Tabulations.
The City Clerk may in his or her sole discretion call for a recess in the tabulation of ballots for a
period of no more than twelve (12) hours, including a period of time to include over night. In
the event that the City Clerk calls for a recess all ballots shall be secured during the period of
the recess. The process of securing the ballots shall include the following:
a. The City Clerk shall place all ballots in a combination safe capable of protecting
the ballots from theft, fire, and water damage.
b. The combination to the safe shall be known only to the City Clerk, the Chief of
Police and the Finance Director.
c. Each time the ballots are placed in the safe or taken out of the safe, at least two
witnesses shall be present and shall sign the following statement under oath:
I, the undersigned, do swear, under penalty of law, that I
witnessed
(remove/place) all of the ballots (into/out) of a combination safe
on this day of at
approximately o'clock _.m. and securely locked the
same in my presence (with the ballots inside the combination
safe/after removing all of the ballots.)
Witness
14
Properly Marked
MAYOR 18t 2nd 3rd 4th
(two year term) Choice cnoice cnoice choice
Fill in one oval per choice Your 2n° or 3`O choice will be considered if your 1e1 choice
Loses
Colonel Mustard O O ~ O
Scarlett O'Hara ~ O O O
Nicholas Nickleby O O O
Eleanor Rigby O ~ O O
First choice vote will be counted
Second Choice vote will only be counted after the voter's first choice candidate is eliminated
Third choice volte will only be counted after the voter's first and second choice candidates are
eliminated
Skipped Ranking #1
MAYOR
(two year term)
Fill in one oval per choice
Colonel Mustard
Scarlett O'Hara
Nicholas Nickleby
Eleanor Rigby
,~st 2nd 3rd 4th
Choice choice choice choice
Your 2n0 or 3f° choice will be considered i f your 1° choice
Loses
O o ~ o
~ O O O
O O O O
O O O O
• First choice vote will be counted
• Third choice vote will be counted if the first choice candidate is eliminated
Skipped Ranking #2
MAYOR 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
(two year term) Choice cnoice cnoice cnoice
Fill in one oval per choice Your 2n0 or 3r0 choice will be considered i f your 1" choice
Loses
Colonel Mustard O O O O
Scarlett O'Hara O O O O
Nicholas Nickleby O O O O
Eleanor Rigby O O ~ O
• This vote will be counted in the second round if the candidate is still in the race
Over-voted 1St ranking
MAYOR
(two year term)
Fill in one oval per choice
Colonel Mustard
Scarlett O'Hara
Nicholas Nickleby
Eleanor Rigby
~ st 2nd 3rd 4th
Choice choice choice choice
Your 2nO or 3rtl choice will be considered i f your 1" choice
Loses
~ D O O
~ O O O
O ~ ~ O
O O O O
• First choice vote will not be counted
o Unable to determine voter intent due to over vote
• Second Choice vote will not be counted
• Third choice vote will not be counted
Over-voted 2"d ranking
MAYOR 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
(two year term) choice choice choice choice
Fill in one oval per choice Your 2n0 or 3'd choice will be considered if your 181 choice
Loses
Colonel Mustard O ~ O O
Scarlett O'Hara O O O O
Nicholas Nickleby ~ O ~ O
Eleanor Rigby O ~ O O
• First choice vote will be counted
• Second Choice vote will not be counted
• Third choice vote will not be counted
Inconsistent Ordering
MAYOR 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
(two year term) choice choice choice choice
Fill in one oval per choice Your 2n0 or 3r0 choice will be considered if your 1" choice
Loses
Colonel Mustard O O O O
Scarlett O'Hara O ~ O O
Nicholas Nickleby O O O O
Eleanor Rigby ~ O ~ O
• First choice vote will be counted
• Second Choice vote will only be counted after the voter's first choice candidate is
eliminated
• Third choice vote will not be counted
Duplicate Ranking
MAYOR 1St 2nd 3rd 4th
(two year term) Choice cnoice cnoice choice
Fill in one oval per choice Your 2n0 or 3`° choice will be considered if you r t" choice
Loses
Colonel Mustard ~ ~ ~ O
Scarlett O'Hara O O O O
Nicholas Nickleby O O O O
Eleanor Rigby O O O O
• The first choice vote will be counted
• If the first choice candidate is eliminated, the second and third choice votes will not be
counted
Un-used ranking/Exhausted Ballot
MAYOR ,~st 2nd 3rd 4th
(two year term) Choice choice cnoice cnoice
Fill in one oval per choice Your 2nO or 3rtl choice will be considered if your t° choice
Loses
Colonel Mustard O O O O
Scarlett O'Hara O O O O
Nicholas Nickleby O ~ O O
Eleanor Rigby ~ O O O
• Flrst choice vote will be counted
• Second choice vote will anl~ be counted after the voter's first choice candidate is
eliminated
• Third choice vote is blank, so it will not be counted
Undervote/Blank Ballot
MAYOR 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
(two year term) choice choice choice choice
Fill In one oval per choice Your 2n° or 3rtl choice will be considered i f your 1" choice
Loses
Colonel Mustard O O O O
Scarlett O'Hara O O O O
Nicholas Nickleby O O O O
Eleanor Rigby O O O O
• This is a blank ballot; itwill not count toward the majority
Over-voted Council 2 rankings
CITY COUNCIL
(Four year term)
Two City Council Members will be elected for 4-year terms. Rank your choices in columns 1 through 8. Your first and
sewnd choices will be counted in the frst round of tallies. Do NOT duplicate your choices.
Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for
ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE
~a 2nd 3rd 4m Stn stn ~m 8th
.lack B. Nimble ~ O O O O O O O
Greta Greenwood ~ O O O O O O O
David Crockett O ~ O O O O O O
Travis Thompson O ~ O O O O O O
Che Guevara O O O O O O O O
John Q. Adams O O ~ O O O O O
Wilbur Mills O O O ~ O O O O
Peter Romanov O O O O ~ O O O
This ballot contains a defective ranking and it will not count toward the
threshold nor will any candidate receive a vote
Over-voted Duplicate 2"d ranking
CITY COUNCIL
(Four year term)
Two City Council Members will be elected for 4-year terms. Rank your choices in columns 1 through 8. Your first and
second choices will be counted in the frst round of tallies. Do NOT duplicate your choices.
Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for
ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE
~:t Zea 3rd 4tn Ste stn stn 8th
Jack B. Nimble O O O O O O ~ O
Greta Greenwood O O O ~ O O O O
David Crockett O ~ O O O O O O
Travis Thompson O O O O O O O
Che Guevara O O O ~ O ~ O O
John Q. Adams ~ O O O O O O O
Wilbur Mills O ~ O O ~ O O O
Peter Romanov O O ~ O O O O O
• First choice vote will be counted
• This ballot contains a defective ranking at the second choice. No votes
will be counted for rankings for the 2"" or subsequent columns.
Over-voted Duplicate
CITY COUNCIL
(Four year term}
Two City Council Members will be elected for 4-year terms. Rank your choices in columns t through 8. Your frst and
second choices will be counted in the first round of tallies. Do NOT duplicate your choices.
Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for Vote for
ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE
Est 2nd 3rd atn Stn stn ~m 8th
Jack B. Nimble O O O ~ O O O O
Greta Greenwood ~ ~ O O O O ~ O
David Crockett O O ~ O O O O O
Travis Thompson O O O O ~ O D O
Che Guevara O O O O O ~ O O
John Q. Adams O O O O O O O O
Wilbur Mills O D O O O O O O
Peter Romanov O O O O O O O O
• First choice vote will be counted
• Second choice vote will not be counted as it is a duplicate ranking and
no further candidates will receive votes
Quick Reference Gulde
Voter Intent
Definitions [Rule 27.1]
Blank ballot: A ballot on which the voter has made no marks in any voting position, or a ballot that has been marked with an unreadable marker,
or a ballot that has been consistently marked outside the area that an optical scanner can reed
Damaged ballot: A ballot that cannot be processed because it has been tom, beat, otherwise mutilated, or rendered amendable.
Overvote: A race or ballot measure which contains votes for more than the maximum number of candidates or responses for a ballot measure
provided.
Undervote: Occurs when the voter does not vote for any candidate or ballot selection; or, when more than one person in a race is available, the
voter does not vote the maximum number of selections allowed.
Target Area [Rule 27.1.8]
The target area is the oval, square, or incomplete snow opposite a candidate's name or ballot response.
All votes within the target azea will be considered valid and will count, so long as the voter has not overvoted or made an obvious stray mark
Determination of Voter Intent [Rule 27.7]
Elections officials may only consider voter latent in three situations:
(1) when a county ishand-counting paper ballots;
(2) duringbba recount of votes cast for any voting system; and,.
(3). ~ang b~ot~, ano oveivopte~~alslcotan, o~ co~ntamsr$ne or moere write in votegtion board in a central location to detemtine if a ballot is a
Defective or Incomplete Marks [Rule 27.7]
A defective or incomplete mark on any ballot in a proper place should be counted if no other cross mark appears on the ballot indicating an inten-
tion to vote for some other candidate or ballot issue.
Exceptions whero defective or incomplete marks should not be counted:
(]) obvious stray marks
(2) hesitant marks
(3) parts ofvmtten notes
(4) wnected votes
If a voter marks outside the tazgeted area, their vote may only be considered valid if dre voter uses a consistent pattern or method of marking. Ia
order to count markings outside the target azea, the markings must follow the same pattern ormethod. Inconsistent marks throughout the ballot
that are outside of the target area must not be counted. If the voter displays inconsistent marks outside the target area only the voter's responses
where the target area is marked maybe counted.
A ballot containing iaconect but consistent markings must be duplicated for counting purposes when ballots are counted by optical scanning
equipment.
A voter who marks their votes correctly in the tagget area, but extends mazkings into another target area has made valid mazkiags, and their selec-
tions should be counted as votes for the clearly indicated candidate or ballot response marked -
A defective or an incomplete mark on any ballot in the target area may be counted if no other mark is oa the ballot indicating the voter's intent
Voter Inteut Guide
For examples and illushations of voter intent andwrite-in candidate issues, please see the 2D08 Voter Inteut Guide.
~t,;~ o„l~tP Genes as a reference document only and is not a substitute for applicable laws and rules.
Overvotes [Rules 27.1 & 27.7]
No overvote may be counted unless the voter corrects the mazks by providing an explanation of his or her dewed choice. If a voter provides iastmc-
tions correcting their vote, the corrected vote is valid.
If ballots aze counted using an optical scan machine, overvoted races are rejected by the voting system. Voter intent should not be considered upon
initial count and the ballot should not be duplicated, unless the ballot is being reviewed by a resolution board at a central count location.
If voter has marked more than one choice the voter's intent may still be determined. If a voter mazks more than one choice but crosses out or strikes
one of the choices, then the second choice, or the choice that has not been crossed out or stricken should be counted as a valid vote. In every situa-
tion, if the intent of the voter cannot be determined thCn the vote must not be counted.
If a voter corrects a vote and provides written instructions as to their intent, then the selection should be counted as the voter instruMed. Written
instmctions may include but are not limited to words, cucles, arrows, or striking out a candidate's name.
Determination of Improperly Marked Ballots [C.RS. §I-7-SOS]
No ballot may be counted unless it has the official endorsement required.
If election judges are unable to determine a voter's intent for all of the selections on the ballot then the ballot is defective. The ballot must be mazked
"defective" on the back, banded together, sepazated from other ballots and preserved.
Duplication of Ballots [Rule 27.6]
If any ballot is damaged or defective so that it cannot be properly counted by the electronic vote-counting equipment, a hve duplicate copy must be
made of the damaged ballot so long as the voter's intent is cleaz. The duplication of a ballot must be made in the presence of two judges. Using the
damaged ballot as the guide a blank ballot should be marked by a duplicating team so that the votes recorded are identical to those indicated on the
damaged ballot. ARer the duplicate ballot is marked it must be proofed to insure that it is marked properly and accurately. The duplicate ballot
should then be substituted for the damaged ballot. Every duplicate ballot must be clearly labeled as a duplicate. The damaged or unreadable original
ballot must be mazked "DUPLICATED" to indicate that the ballot has been duplicated and the duplication is completed.
Both the duplicate and the original ballot must bear the same serial number. The serial number is a unique number assigned to both the original and
the duplicate. This will reference the ballots together and provide an audit trail. Once marked, the duplicate ballot must be placed with all other
ballots to be counted. All duplicated original ballots are to be placed in an envelope and clearly mazked "BALLOTS THAT HAV13 SEEN DUPLI-
CATED."
1Vrite-In Votes and Voter Intent [C.RS. §§1-7-114,1d-1101, Rules 27.1.9 & 27.7.4]
A write-in vote is when the voter physically writes in the name of a legally qualified write-in candidate in the space reserved on the ballot for write-
in votes and properly marks the oval, square, or connects the arrow on optical scan ballots according to the dvections provided to the voter.
If a voter designates a vote for a candidate named on the ballot and then writes in the name of the same candidate in the write-in area the vote must
be counted as a vote for the candidate named on the ballot. '
If a voter fails to complete the tazgeted area but does write in the name of a qualified candidate the write-in vote is counted when counting is con-
ducted by hand and/or during any recount
If a voter designates a named candidate oa the ballot and writes in the name of a different candidate in the write-in area, the vote is an overvote for
that office so long as the number of chosen candidates exceeds the number permitted to be voted for is that office. If a voter has overvoted no vote
for that office may count
Votes for awrite-in candidate may only be counted when a voter selects an eligible write-in candidate. in order for awrite-in candidate to be eligi-
ble, the candidate must fill out an affidavit of intent ofwrite-in candidacy. A voter must write the last name of an eligible write-in candidate in order
for their selection to count. If the voter incorrectly spells the write-in candidate's name, the vote may still count if the voter's intent to vote for an
eligible write th candidate is clear. A voter [hat writes only the first name or nickname of an eligible candidate has failed to make a valid selection.
QllCSI[O1fS~
Contact the Elections Division Customer Support
888-171-2007
elections(rdsos.state. co. us
Revised
October 2008
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM : Tyler Christoff, Project Manager, Engineering
THRU: Trish Aragon, P.E., City Engineer
DATE OF MEMO: January 29`h 2009
MEETING DATE: February 2"a 2009 Work Session
RE; Pedestrian Planning and Design for: The Lone Pine Neighborhood
SUMMARY: Staff is presenting pedestrian infrastructure alternatives for the Lone Pine
Neighborhood. Staff is seeking guidance from City Council members on the
development of pedestrian infrastructure along the Lone Pine Road.
BACKGROUND: The Pedestrian Capital improvements program is an ongoing safety
enhancement plan with the goal to develop and maintain safer pedestrian corridors in
Aspen. In 2005 a need for additional pedestrian infrastructure in the Lone Pine
Neighborhood was identified. City Council authorized Tabor funding for several
pedestrian projects in 2005, including the Lone Pine pedestrian connection. This project
would follow the ideals of The City of Aspen Civic Master Plan (CMPAG) was adopted
by City Council in December 2006. The Plan states "Aspen's future should be one in
which the automobile pays a smaller role in people's everyday lives. Other modes of
travel should be made as safe and convenient as possible to facilitate that goal... the level
of investment in...more and better bikeways and walkways should increase. "
DISCUSSION: The City of Aspen has contracted with Drexell Banell & Co. to provide
engineering services for the Lone Pine Road Neighborhood Pedestrian design. The
purpose of this project is to complete missing pedestrian links and integrate pedestrian
access into the existing transportation network.
Staff in conjunction with the consultant team scheduled two neighborhood meetings to
solicit input from residents and other concerned citizens. The First meeting was held
November 12`h 2008 and the second December I5`~' 2008. From these meetings the
design team produced three design alternatives. These alternatives attempt to incorporate
the neighborhoods wants and needs into a comprehensive design that fits within the
project scope and budget.
Design Alternatives
Citizen input from the two neighborhood meetings was used to create and refine three
design alternatives. These alternatives include:
Alignment #1 (Figure `A' -- Orange and Yellow Dots) This alignment puts sidewalk
on both the North and South sides of Lone Pine Road with a pedestrian crosswalk just
west of the existing cross walk. This layout connects existing sidewalk on the
Northwestern end of Lone Pine Road to the existing sidewalk on the Southeastern side.
This configuration provides a connection to transit infrastructure in the neighborhood;
existing sidewalk, the Hunter Creek Trail, and the RFTA Bus stop aze all linked with this
alignment. Associated Cost: $132,995.50
Alignment #2 (Figure `A' -Blue Dots) This alignment puts sidewalk completely on
the Northern side of Lone Pine Road. There would be a crossing provided at the Bus stop
to provide a walkway from the Hunter Creek Area to the existing Bus stop. This
configuration provides a connection from existing walk on the Northwestern end of the
Road to existing walk on the Northeastern end. This alignment would provide a
connection to the existing bus stop however no connection to the existing walkway at the
Southeastern end of Lone Pine would be provided. Associated Cost: $148,624.50
Alignment #3 (Figure `A' -Orange, Yellow and Blue Dots) This alignment puts
sidewalk on part of both the Northern and Southern sides of Lone Pine Road. This option
would combine Alignments 1 and 2 to provide a connection to al] existing transit and
pedestrian infrastructure in the neighborhood. Associated Cost: $178,812.70
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Alignment #3. This alignment
seems to have the most support from citizens involved in the public process. This design
supports the goal of providing alternative modes of travel that are as safe and convenient
as possible. Existing Tabor funding is available to fully fund this option.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Funding
Tabor Fund -Lone Pine Sidewalk Design/Construction $100,000.00
Tabor Fund -Available Tabor Funding $188,197.60
Total $288,197.60
Expenditures
Design
Lone Pine Sidewalk Design $39,820.00
Staff Project Management $12,000.00
Contingency $ 8,180.00
Construction (Staff Recommended Alignment)
Alignment #3 $179,000.00
Project Management $ 26.850,(10
Total $265,850.00
-~-
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
Figure `A' -Lone Pine Neighborhood (Opportunities, Constrains & Needs) -- Alignment
Options
-3-
O O ~, ~°~
I ~ ~
~ ~ O
O • ® a y
& ~ E c
^
~ ~;~~ ~ ~
;~~
~~., ~..
.~ ..
w ~
o > CIO, ..
u
,~,
A
~E~ ~c ~ ~ On
! ~ 9 ~ 2 ~ ~
4 < L ~ ~
~~ ~
Z;
E ~~ f AJ
¢RC F
f
~$ 1
~t ~ ~ m
Z n
~ ~
y,is~'; D y
~ c
D
~i~ ~ ? oc
z
{{
9`~"~ ~ m
~ v
-_
w1~
uii ~ a
'°
'l
{$_ ~_
~(f'
.'\.y ./
O
~~
~ O
a `
~ C Z
_
m
~ Z rn
o n ~ "p
T
t/~
Z
~ T
O Z
N
=
~ W
D O
~ O y =
z
'°H H
1 m ~ O
~~
A Z
"
Z o
~
Z ff1
X~
c v
3 N