[EM] Burlington's first post-IRV mayoral election

[Kristofer Munsterhjelm]

On 03/08/2012 06:27 AM, robert bristow-johnson wrote:

> It didn't happen, much to my astonishment:
>
> http://www.burlingtonvt.gov/CT/Elections/Results---DMS-Documents/2012/Annual-City-Election-Results/
>
> So, for the time being, losing the ranked ballot hasn't hurt the cause
> of majority rule in Burlington Vermont, but when the Progs decide to
> jump back into the game, I still fear it might.
>
> Sorry for not updating you folks earlier. I was pretty wrecked last
> night and this morning. Finally got over the hangover this evening.

I suspect that either of the 2.5-party methods (as well as those that do 
even worse, like Plurality) lead to third parties eventually being 
squeezed out from the position in question - either by themselves (from 
not wanting to spoil the election) or by the voters (that don't want to 
make the greater evil win).

In Plurality, the Progs are the potential spoilers; in IRV, the Republicans.

I don't know what method 40% runoff will end up being closer to in 
Duvergerian terms -- 50% runoff or plain old Plurality.