A better way than runoff elections

North Carolina’s primary election on May 8 saw a high turnout, with nearly three times as many voters showing up as in 2010’s primary. Unfortunately, the primary runoff elections on Tuesday will likely drop to single digit turnout. … There is value in requiring nominees to have substantial support in their party – which in North Carolina, means earning at least 40 percent of votes. Fortunately, there’s a better way to achieve that goal. North Carolina can upgrade its traditional approach with instant runoff voting (IRV). [cont.]

Adam Sotak and Rob Richie (Charlotte Observer)