Poliquin should proceed with his lawsuit. “Instant runoff” (or “ranked choice”) permits those who voted for someone other than the first- or second-place finisher to vote two or more times, while those who voted for the top two only get a single vote. If Maine wants a run-off when no one gets 50%+1, then make it hold a runoff on another date so that everyone gets to vote twice.
That’s a great argument. Equal protection violation.