“You’re on to something very, very important.” –Bill Moyers

Now that the election’s over, it’s time to focus on really changing the system – improving democracy for the long haul. A gift to FairVote Minnesota is an investment in a fairer, smarter, more civil and inclusive politics . . . and better governance as well.

By supporting our work to expand Ranked Choice Voting, you’re “voting” to ensure majority rule, increase political participation, end “spoiler” and “wasted vote” dynamics, and open more opportunity for alternative voices and third parties.

In short, you’re helping to combat political dysfunction and create a stronger democracy.

We’ve seen years of narrow, divisive plurality victories in Minnesota gubernatorial elections, unprecedented levels of negative advertising and “attack” campaigning, and escalating polarization.. The result is dysfunction and gridlock in government . . . our system is at a breaking point. RCV, which allows voters to rank their candidates on the ballot (1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, etc.) without fear of “wasting” their vote or helping elect the candidate they least like, can turn it all around.

This tested, trusted election system has been used with great success in Minneapolis and St. Paul – and both cities are gearing up for smooth, high-turnout RCV elections again in 2013. Other Minnesota cities, including Duluth, are making big strides toward adopting RCV as well.

RCV has multipartisan support, and it’s getting serious attention at the Legislature. More lawmakers than ever, as well as our governor, favor RCV; with your help, we can pass our “local options” bill, enabling communities that want to try RCV to do so.

All gifts of $100 or more (up to $3,500) made Thursday will be matched by the FairVote Minnesota board!

Plus, every gift to FairVote Minnesota on Give to the Max Day puts us in the running for additional hourly cash prizes – and shows policymakers and the media that Minnesota voters are hungry for meaningful reform.

Our goal of implementing RCV statewide by 2018 is truly achievable – if you’ll join us in this historic movement!

Will you help us make Minnesota a national model for reforming democracy? Please donate $50, $100, $500 – whatever you can – to make RCV a reality statewide. And urge your friends to join us too. We can’t do it without you!

“RCV will allow more voices to be heard, fewer votes to be wasted, and elections in which the winning candidate receives broad support from a majority of voters. Isn't that the definition of democracy?” – Tom Horner and Tim Penny