Third-party candidates get a boost with a new voting system.

More on that in a moment on the Face The State Radio Minute.

The City of Aspen will likely conduct its future municipal elections with instant runoff voting. The idea is that voting can often mean voting for a less-than-perfect major party candidate for fear a vote for a more appealing third party would throw the election to someone you really don't like. Put another way, our current system encourages holding one's nose to ensure a tolerable candidate's win, even if you prefer the underdog.

Libertarian-leaning Republicans, for example, could vote for a Libertarian first, but should he not muster a majority, the second-ranked GOP candidate would get the vote. Ballots continue to be counted and adjusted until someone gets a majority. Your #1 choice may not win, but at least you didn't risk throwing an election to vote your conscience.

For FaceTheState.com, I'm Brad Jones.