I can assure Stefan Ostrach that STAR Voting will not be “making” anyone assign stars to multiple candidates (Letters, Sept. 20). It allows them to do so if they choose, but they are also free to give one candidate a score and leave it at that.

If at some point it becomes used in partisan races it should strengthen, not undermine, political parties. Without the possibility of “spoiler” elections, people will feel freer to vote for the party they actually prefer — even a third party — and the major parties will have to reach out beyond their base to be competitive.

I invite Mr. Ostrach out for coffee to talk it over.

Alan F. Zundel

Co-petitioner, Measure 20-290

Eugene