");vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("HEAD")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var ctx=vwo_$(x),el; /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",""); vwo_debug*/; el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1742919897117"]'); el.revertContentOp().remove();})("HEAD")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")).html("Hello! David Brancaccio here. Do you want instant access to the free online course - “Economics 101” - to understand basic economic concepts?");})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("content","[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")).replaceWith2("You'll gain real-world insights into how economics impacts your daily life with this easy-to-follow online course. This crash course is based on the acclaimed textbook Economy, Society, and Public Policy by CORE Econ, tailored to help you grasp key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you're new to economics or just want to deepen your understanding, this course covers the basics and connects them to today’s pressing issues—from inequality to public policy decisions.

Each week, you'll receive a reading guide that distills core principles, offers actionable takeaways, and explains how they affect the current world. While the full ebook enriches the experience, the guides alone provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental economic ideas.

You’ll find this course especially useful and unique because…
"),el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']");})("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content","[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")).revertContentOp(),el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']");})("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("3. How Satisfied are you with the programs and offerings provided by MPR?");})("#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {})(".author,.img-wrapper,.img-wrapper img,.author-copy")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; })(".author,.img-wrapper,.img-wrapper img,.author-copy")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_93-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_93-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_93-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("5. Which topics or issues are you most interested in hearing about on MPR?");})("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_55_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("remove","H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})("H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')")}}, R_940895_55_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')")).vwoRevertCss();})("H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_6:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("7. What is your overall impression of the quality of MPR's programs and offering?");})("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_6:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_7:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("8. How important is MPR to your ability to stay informed?");})("#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertHtml(),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss();})(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, C_940895_63_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("paste",".actions"); vwo_debug*/!(el=vwo_$(".actions")).parent().find('[vwo-op-1742589780926=""]').length&&el.after('


By submitting, you consent to receive information about MPR\'s programs and offerings. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.

'),(el=vwo_$("#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})(".hintsBelow")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove",".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")).vwoRevertCss();})(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("remove","STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")).vwoRevertCss();})("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")}}, C_940895_62_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("visibility","H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoCss({visibility:"hidden !important"}),(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")}}, R_940895_62_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoRevertCss();})("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")}}, C_940895_62_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"22px !important"}),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"24px !important"});})("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, R_940895_62_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss();})("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("visibility","H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoCss({visibility:"hidden !important"}),(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoRevertCss();})("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"22px !important"}),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"24px !important"}),(el=vwo_$(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).html("You are now subscribed to the Weeknight Kitchen newsletter! Before you go, would you consider something?"),el.addClass("vwo_tm_1742501918554");})(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_9:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_9:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("10. In your own words, why would an MPR listener choose to become a donor?");})("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_8:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_8:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("9. Do you believe that MPR is an important community resource?");})("#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_7:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_5:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_5:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("6. How likely are you to recommend MPR to a friend or family member?");})("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("remove",".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")}}, R_940895_63_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1742589780114"]')).remove();})(".hintsBelow")}}, R_940895_59_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement",".field-item > p:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(1)")}}},rules:[{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":48}]},"metricId":951905},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":39}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":61}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":62}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":63}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":64}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":54}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":55}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":59}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":16}]},"metricId":951905,"id":"metric"}],"triggers":["8459768"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"type":"g","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":16}]},"metricId":0}],"triggers":["12639747"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":48}]},"metricId":959033},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":39}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":61}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":62}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":63}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":64}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":54}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":55}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":59}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":16}]},"metricId":959033,"id":"metric"}],"triggers":["8536415"]},{"tags":[{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.48"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.61"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.62"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.63"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.64"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.54"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.55"},{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.16"}],"triggers":["10589191"]},{"tags":[{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.59"}],"triggers":["12629112"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"type":"g","campaigns":[{"g":7,"c":39}]},"metricId":0}],"triggers":["12454062"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"type":"g","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":39}]},"metricId":0}],"triggers":["12454056"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"type":"g","campaigns":[{"g":6,"c":39}]},"metricId":0}],"triggers":["12454059"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":48}]},"metricId":951908},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":61}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":62}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":63}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":64}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":54}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":55}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":59}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":6,"c":16}]},"metricId":951908,"id":"metric"}],"triggers":["8639604"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":48}]},"metricId":959030},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":39}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":61}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":62}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":63}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":64}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":54}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":55}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":59}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":16}]},"metricId":959030,"id":"metric"}],"triggers":["8536412"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":48}]},"metricId":959027},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":39}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":61}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":62}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":63}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":64}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":54}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":55}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":59}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":16}]},"metricId":959027,"id":"metric"}],"triggers":["8536409"]},{"tags":[{"priority":4,"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.39"}],"triggers":["12454053"]},{"tags":[{"id":"checkEnvironment"}],"triggers":["5"]},{"tags":[{"priority":3,"id":"prePostMutation"},{"priority":2,"id":"groupCampaigns"}],"triggers":["8"]},{"tags":[{"priority":2,"id":"visibilityService"}],"triggers":["9"]},{"tags":[{"id":"runTestCampaign"}],"triggers":["2"]},{"tags":[{"id":"urlChange"}],"triggers":["75"]}],pages:{"pc":[{"141375":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/story.*"],["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/episode.*"]]}}],"ec":[{"1625289":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i).*"]]}},{"2121531":{"inc":["o",["pg","eq","141375"]]}}]},pagesEval:{"pc":[141375],"ec":[1625289,2121531]},stags:{}}})(); ;;var commonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={valuesGetter:function(){return{}},valuesSetter:function(){},verifyData:function(){return{}}}}const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var pollInterval=100;var timeout=6e4;return function(){var accountIntegrationSettings={};var _interval=null;function waitForAnalyticsVariables(){try{accountIntegrationSettings=argument.valuesGetter();accountIntegrationSettings.visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid()}catch(error){accountIntegrationSettings=undefined}if(accountIntegrationSettings&&argument.verifyData(accountIntegrationSettings)){argument.valuesSetter(accountIntegrationSettings);return 1}return 0}var currentTime=0;_interval=setInterval((function(){currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var result=waitForAnalyticsVariables();if(result||performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout){clearInterval(_interval)}}),pollInterval)}}; var pushBasedCommonWrapper=function(argument){var firedCamp={};if(!argument){argument={integrationName:"",getExperimentList:function(){},accountSettings:function(){},pushData:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var sendDebugLogsOld=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type,data){try{var errorPayload={f:argument["integrationName"]||"",a:window._vwo_acc_id,url:window.location.href,exp:expId,v:variationId,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(errorType=="initIntegrationCallback"){errorPayload["log_type"]="initIntegrationCallback";errorPayload["data"]=JSON.stringify(data||"")}else if(errorType=="timeout"){errorPayload["timeout"]=true}if(window.VWO._.customError){window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug",url:window.location.href,lineno:"",colno:"",source:JSON.stringify(errorPayload)})}}catch(e){window.VWO._.customError&&window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug failed",url:"",lineno:"",colno:"",source:""})}};var sendDebugLogs=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type){var eventName="vwo_debugLogs";var eventPayload={};try{eventPayload={intName:argument["integrationName"]||"",varId:variationId,expId:expId,type:errorType,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(window.VWO._.event){window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload,{enableLogs:1})}}catch(e){eventPayload={msg:"integration event log failed",url:window.location.href};window.VWO._.event&&window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload)}};const callbackFn=function(data){if(!data)return;var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2],repeated=data[0],singleCall=0,debug=0;var experimentList=argument.getExperimentList();var integrationName=argument["integrationName"]||"vwo";if(typeof argument.accountSettings==="function"){var accountSettings=argument.accountSettings();if(accountSettings){singleCall=accountSettings["singleCall"];debug=accountSettings["debug"]}}if(debug){sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intCallTriggered",repeated)}if(singleCall&&(repeated==="vS"||repeated==="vSS")||firedCamp[expId]){return}window.expList=window.expList||{};var expList=window.expList[integrationName]=window.expList[integrationName]||[];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(_vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){if(experimentList.indexOf(+expId)!==-1){firedCamp[expId]=variationId;var visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid();var pollInterval=100;var currentTime=0;var timeout=6e4;var user_type=_vwo_exp[expId].exec?"vwo-retry":"vwo-new";var interval=setInterval((function(){if(expList.indexOf(expId)!==-1){clearInterval(interval);return}currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var toClearInterval=argument.pushData(expId,variationId,visitorUuid);if(debug&&toClearInterval){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intDataPushed",user_type)}var isTimeout=performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout;if(isTimeout&&debug){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"timeout",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intTimeout",user_type)}if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}if(toClearInterval){window.expList[integrationName].push(expId)}}),pollInterval||100)}}};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",callbackFn]);window.VWO.push(["onVariationShownSent",callbackFn])}}; var surveyDataCommonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={getCampaignList:function(){return[]},surveyStatusChange:function(){},answerSubmitted:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];function getValuesFromAnswers(answers){var values=[];for(var i=0;i=timeout;if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}}),pollInterval)}}window.VWO.push(["onSurveyShown",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyShown")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyCompleted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyCompleted")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyAnswerSubmitted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.answerSubmitted,"surveySubmitted")}])}}; (function(){var VWOOmniTemp={};window.VWOOmni=window.VWOOmni||{};for(var key in VWOOmniTemp)Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(VWOOmniTemp,key)&&(window.VWOOmni[key]=VWOOmniTemp[key]);;})();(function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];var pollInterval=100;var _vis_data={};var intervalObj={};var analyticsTimerObj={};var experimentListObj={};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",function(data){if(!data){return}var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(window._vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){}}])})();; ;var vD=VWO.data||{};VWO.data={content:{"fns":{"list":{"vn":1,"args":{"1":{}}}}},as:"r4.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",dacdnUrl:"https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",accountJSInfo:{"rp":30,"noSS":false,"pc":{"a":0,"t":0},"ts":1743225497}};for(var k in vD){VWO.data[k]=vD[k]};;var gcpfb=function(a,loadFunc,status,err,success){function vwoErr() {_vwo_err({message:"Google_Cdn failing for " + a + ". Trying Fallback..",code:"cloudcdnerr",status:status});} if(a.indexOf("/cdn/")!==-1){loadFunc(a.replace("cdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;} else if(a.indexOf("/dcdn/")!==-1&&a.indexOf("evad.js") !== -1){loadFunc(a.replace("dcdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;}};window.VWO=window.VWO || [];window.VWO._= window.VWO._ || {};window.VWO._.gcpfb=gcpfb;;var d={cookie:document.cookie,URL:document.URL,referrer:document.referrer};var w={VWO:{_:{}},location:{href:window.location.href,search:window.location.search},_vwoCc:window._vwoCc};;window._vwo_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window._vwo_apm_debug_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window.VWO._.useCdn=true;window.vwo_eT="br";window._VWO=window._VWO||{};window._VWO.fSeg={};window._VWO.dcdnUrl="/dcdn/settings.js";window.VWO.sTs=1743195125;window._VWO._vis_nc_lib=window._vwo_cdn+"edrv/nc-027330777ece73059cc92c6141e45cb3br.js";var loadWorker=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb: function(xhr,a){window._vwo_wt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 ||xhr.status===304){var code="var window="+JSON.stringify(w)+",document="+JSON.stringify(d)+";window.document=document;"+xhr.responseText;var blob=new Blob([code||"throw new Error('code not found!');"],{type:"application/javascript"}),url=URL.createObjectURL(blob);window.mainThread={webWorker:new Worker(url)};window.vwoChannelFW=new MessageChannel();window.vwoChannelToW=new MessageChannel();window.mainThread.webWorker.postMessage({vwoChannelToW:vwoChannelToW.port1,vwoChannelFW:vwoChannelFW.port2},[vwoChannelToW.port1, vwoChannelFW.port2]);if(!window._vwo_mt_f)return window._vwo_wt_f=true;_vwo_code.addScript({text:window._vwo_mt_f});delete window._vwo_mt_f}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a)}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker)){return;}window._vwo_wt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadWorker("https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/edrv/worker-1135852b6bc11a94eb64017a8d120ad8br.js");;var _vis_opt_file;var _vis_opt_lib;if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings.isSurveyPreviewMode){var surveyHash=window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.SURVEY_DEBUG_EVENTS.HASH;var param1="evad.js?va=";var param2="&d=debugger_new";var param3="&sp=1&a=940895&sh="+surveyHash;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?param1+"vanj"+param2:param1+"va_gq"+param2:param1+"edrv/va_gq-3adf809ea7b0629d1cfde6b0f4969635br.js"+param2;_vis_opt_file=_vis_opt_file+param3;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/dcdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode=="PREVIEW"){ var path1 = 'edrv/pd_'; var path2 = window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.EVAD.HASH + ".js"; ;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?path1+"vanj"+path2:path1+"va_gq"+path2:path1+"edrv/va_gq-3adf809ea7b0629d1cfde6b0f4969635br.js"+path2;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else{_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?"edrv/vanj-7340efabe014aa7ac36a54293558de41br.js":"edrv/va_gq-3adf809ea7b0629d1cfde6b0f4969635br.js":"edrv/va_gq-3adf809ea7b0629d1cfde6b0f4969635br.js"}window._vwo_library_timer=setTimeout((function(){vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay();vwoCode.finish()}),vwoCode.library_tolerance&&typeof vwoCode.library_tolerance()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.library_tolerance():2500),_vis_opt_lib=typeof _vis_opt_lib=="undefined"?window._vwo_cdn+_vis_opt_file:_vis_opt_lib;var loadLib=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb:function(xhr,a){window._vwo_mt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 || xhr.status===304){if(!window._vwo_wt_f)return window._vwo_mt_f=xhr.responseText;_vwo_code.addScript({text:xhr.responseText});delete window._vwo_wt_f;}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadLib,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadLib)){return;}window._vwo_mt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadLib(_vis_opt_lib);VWO.load_co=function(u,opts){return window._vwo_code.load(u,opts);};;;}}catch(e){_vwo_code.finish();_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay();_vwo_err(e);window.VWO.caE=1}})();

Instant runoff voting exercises election judge fingers

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.

Minneapolis voters approved instant runoff voting in 2006. The new system won't affect races for the Legislature, Congress or the school board. It applies only to Minneapolis municipal offices, like mayor and city council. Those seats come up for election this fall.

So starting last week, Minneapolis began testing its procedures. The held held a mock election to gather feedback on the newly designed ballots. Then they had some experienced election judges take a crack at counting the votes.

Counting these ballots is a multi-step process. First you count everybody's first choice for a given race. And if no candidate has more than 50 percent of the vote, you eliminate the candidate in last place. Then you redistribute those votes the voters' second choice. You keep on eliminating candidates and redistributing votes until someone gets a majority.

This year Minneapolis election judges will have to do most of that counting by hand.

"We would love to have machines to do this all for us," Minneapolis Elections Director Cindy Reichert said, but the vote counting machines Minneapolis uses are only capable of tallying the first choice votes.

Protect those fingers
Rubber finger tip protectors sit in a pile in front of Jane Schallert. She and other Minneapolis election judges will surely need them come November, when they have to count their first election under the city's new instant runoff voting system. IRV ballots must be counted by hand this year, because the vote counting machines Minneapolis uses are not up to the task.
MPR Photo/Curtis Gilbert

So unless there's a winner in the first round, it's on to hand counting.

"There is no equipment currently on the market that does what we need it to do that is federally certified," Reichert said. Minnesota state law requires machines to meet federal guidelines.

The hand counting will not happen on election night. Judges will get a good night's sleep and start the next morning.

Reichert is not ready to predict how long it will take to count up all the votes, but the practice run should give her some clues.

"Once we get that process down that we're as efficient as we feel we can be, we'll be able to then do projections and let people know how long we think it's going to take," she said.

So far, Minneapolis election judges have spent two days counting just 600 mock ballots. 70,000 people voted in the city's last municipal election four years ago. Of course, election officials will have refined their methods by the time election day rolls around, and there will be many more hands on deck in a real election than in the make believe one.

But the test election isn't over. In fact, the biggest challenge for the election judges comes today, when the tackle the multi-seat races, like the park board, where there's more than one winner. Applying instant runoff voting to those races is much more complicated. They have to use a mathematical formula to calculate fractions of votes -- and it's not just halves or thirds, either. They could be dealing with thousandths of a vote.

Several other U.S. cities, including San Francisco, use instant runoff voting. But Cambridge, Mass. is the only one that uses it for multi-seat elections. And they use a different method for calculating the results that doesn't involve fractions. Scotland uses the same method as Minneapolis chose, but they have machines to do the counting there.

"We're actually the first jurisdiction in the world that will be doing a hand count using the 'Weighted Inclusive Gregory Method of Single Transferable Vote,'" Reichert said.

By the next municipal election in 2013, Reichert expects the city will have federally approved equipment that can do the counting.

Instant runoff voting does face one final hurdle in Minneapolis. A group is challenging the system as unconstitutional. Minnesota Supreme Court hears oral arguments in that case on Wednesday.

But unless that case succeeds, or the Minneapolis City Council reverses course and delays the rollout of instant runoff voting, Minneapolis election judges will be counting votes by hand this November.

Dear reader,

Political debates with family or friends can get heated. But what if there was a way to handle them better?

You can learn how to have civil political conversations with our new e-book!

Download our free e-book, Talking Sense: Have Hard Political Conversations, Better, and learn how to talk without the tension.

Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
BBC World Service