Instant runoffs would provide Texas instant relief

Texas has a primary problem. On March 1, just 6% of the state’s voters effectively cast ballots in partisan primaries that will effectively decide 95% of our congressional delegation. Further, 15 races are headed to a May 24 runoff, which will see even fewer voters participate in elections that will cost the state millions of dollars.

The problem starts with gerrymandering, but does not end there. Texas’ new congressional maps received an F from the Princeton Gerrymandering Project, which evaluates states on whether districts are competitive, compact and advantage one party over the other. When maps all but guarantee one side will win in November, partisan primaries end up deciding the winner in most of our elections.