On March 4, IRV gained an avalanche of support. Elected officials, community leaders, and civic activists packed the hall for the Los Angeles City Council's Rules and Government Committee hearing on Instant Runoff Voting (IRV). CfER member Phil Hardy made the trip up from Orange County to testify.

Gautam Dutta of the New America Foundation thanked everyone who attended: "We especially would like to acknowledge two leaders who made the time to join us and support IRV: California Board of Equalization Chair Judy Chu and Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas."

In total, 26 speakers testified, and all but one came to the hearing to support IRV. In fact, not a single speaker opposed IRV. An overwhelming consensus favored adopting IRV as soon as practicable, for all City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and Los Angeles Community College District elections.

Los Angeles needs IRV -- and it's time for the City Council to do the right thing. Please tell your council member and Council President Eric Garcetti to put IRV on the ballot this November (please cc: ). We have included a sample email below.

Thanks again for all your support. We will keep you closely posted. Please call or write your Councilmember, and continue spreading the word!

Dear Councilmember _____,

I strongly believe that Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) should be adopted for all Los Angeles City, Los Angeles Unified School District, and Los Angeles Community College Elections. IRV will not only save millions of our tax dollars each election year, but will strengthen the fabric of our democracy.

Let's make it possible for more people to vote and participate in our elections. Please take all necessary steps to put IRV on the ballot this November. Thank you.