Any voting method that inhibits people from voting for the candidate they most prefer is not truly representative. Young people especially are finding the two-party system constraining and dysfunctional.

The "pick only one candidate" voting methods used in the U.S. inhibit voters and candidates whose views lie outside the two major parties. Voters tend to vote for front-runners from one of these parties to try to avoid "vote splitting" or "wasting" their vote. And what it takes to be a front-runner is lots of money.

In canvassing young voters to vote yes for STAR Voting in the upcoming election, I see their eyes light up and smiles brighten their faces when they realize the potential of this exciting concept. With STAR Voting they can give scores to any of the candidates on the ballot without feeling the pressure to limit their choice to those who have the most money or are backed by the "right" party.

Vote YES for Score Then Automatic Runoff (STAR) Voting! We owe it to the next generation to give them a voting method that is truly representative.

Carol Scherer, Eugene