Objects in Mirror: May 11, 2009 Archive

Instant runoff voting: Yes, No, Maybe?

Posted at 10:04 AM on May 11, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

As Minneapolis gave their new ballot count process a test run, my colleagues in the newsroom came up with a nifty video explaining how instant runoff voting works for the voters.

"Instant runoff voting is also called ranked-choice voting, because it allows voters to rank the candidates for an office in order of preference. So you still get to pick the candidate you like the most, but you can also indicate which one your second and third choices."

- from Curtis Gilbert's feature, Instant runoff voting exercises election judge fingers

Where do you stand on runoff voting? Does your city / community use it? If not, how would it impact your community?

Join the online discussion: Instant runoff voting: Yes, No, Maybe? Be sure to rank your choices in order.

How was your fishing opener?

Posted at 3:42 PM on May 11, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

According to MPR coverage, on opening day Govenor Pawlenty "reeled in a 15-inch Northern around 7:30 a.m." Not bad, but how about you?

Maybe you missed a chance to "Watch everyone re-learn how to back up a boat trailer [...]" (- Winston Smith, in our Gather discussion) or maybe you were lucky/skilled, like Nick Parsons of Forest Lake, Minn. He sent in this picture:

Myself and my Brother Jesse and a 44" muskie
Forest Lake Minn., on south side of first lake
12:28 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2009.

Either way, be sure to tell us if you caught your limit or share a photo of your catch!