Edwards Wins Independence Party IRV Presidential Poll

The instant run off presidential poll ballots were tallied on Friday leaving some indication that independent voters do not have a candidate left in the presidential race. John Edwards led every round of counting, winning in the final round with an 18% lead. Little did our caucus attendees know, Edwards would withdraw from the race before Minnesota's caucuses adjourned.

The first round left a clear four-person race. Edwards held 22%, Kerry 21%, Bush 17%, and Nader 15% of the vote. Rounds two through six eliminated candidates with less than 2% of the vote, transferring their votes to the ballot's next choice. Listed below are the results from rounds seven through eleven.

Round Seven 
Edwards 25% 
Kerry 22% 
Bush 19% 
Nader 16%
Kucinich 9%
None of the above 8% (Votes move to the next choice)

Round Eight
Edwards 27%
Kerry 23%
Bush 20%
Nader 17%
Kucinich 9% (Votes move to the next choice)

Round Nine
Edwards 37%
Kerry 25%
Bush 20%
Nader 18% (Votes move to the next choice)

Round Ten
Edwards 41%
Kerry 29%
Bush 22% (Votes move to the next choice)
All preferences out of contention 7%

Round Eleven (Winning Round)
Edwards 53%
Kerry 35%
All preferences out of contention 12%

Released: 3/8/04