Winner take some

Wed, 16 Oct 1996 11:41:00 +0000

despite Bob Dole's vow to fight for California's 54 electoral votes, the most significant vote in the Golden State on Nov. 5 may not be for president. Instead, it could be for a little-known charter amendment in San Francisco, one that supporters say could mark the death knell of winner-take-all elections in cities across the country.

If passed, Proposition H would install a system of preference voting giving minority voters in San Francisco a real chance to win representation. The campaign is being watched carefully in other urban areas which are looking for ways to enfranchise increasingly fragmented minority groups within their multi-minority populations.

The term used to describe the new system -- proportional representation -- has gained currency since law professor
Lani Guinier urged its adoption as a way of politically empowering blacks and other minorities. Her stand cost her the nomination as civil rights head of the Justice Department, but the proposal continues to win converts, both nationally and locally.

Salon.com > Rob Richie

Winner take some