[Mpls] Reducing the number of delegates.

[Joel Bergstrom]

The question of whether the number of available delegate spots should be reduced is an interesting one and should be considered before the next round of city caucuses.  
 
As I see it, the issue with whether you have a 25:1 or 50:1 ratio is not the number of delegates you want, but the participation you want to encourage.  Wards 7, 10, 11, 12 and, especially, 13, have a distinct advantage if we use a 25:1 ratio.  Not only do they get more delegates, but they fill their slots on a more consistent basis.  The other, lower turnout Wards have fewer spots AND they fail to fill them generally (contested council elections cause spikes in attendance, of course).  This leads to even more concentration of voting strength at the conventions in the wealthier, SW Mpls Wards.  
 
By way of example, compare precincts 6-7 and 13-9.  6-7 was allotted 12 delegates this year and elected 6, leading to at most 50% representation under 25:1.  13-9 was allotted 49 and elected 49, leading to a potential 100% representation under the 25:1 formula.  If you change to a 50:1 ratio, 6-7 all of a sudden fills its allotted delegate pool.  13-9 is unchanged (though fills alternate spots).  
 
Under the current 25:1 ratio we exacerbate the representation that the high voter turnout wards get in the city DFL.  The end result of a 50:1 ratio could be a more balanced representation citywide.  One potential bonus could be less hectic conventions.  
 
Just a thought.
Joel Bergstrom
Linden HIlls


		
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