Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is an electoral system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, aiming to ensure that elected officials have broad support. This method seeks to address issues like vote splitting and the election of candidates without majority support.
What Is Ranked-Choice Voting?
In RCV, voters list candidates by preference: first choice, second choice, and so on. If a candidate secures more than half of the first-choice votes, they win outright. If no candidate achieves this majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the voters’ next choices. This process continues until a candidate surpasses the 50% threshold.
Benefits of Ranked-Choice Voting
- Majority Support: Ensures winners have broad support, reducing the likelihood of candidates winning with only a plurality.
- Reduces Negative Campaigning: Candidates aim to be the second or third choice of their opponents’ supporters, promoting more positive campaigning.
- Encourages Diverse Candidacies: Independent and third-party candidates can compete without the fear of being spoilers.
- Eliminates Runoff Elections: RCV can replace costly and time-consuming runoff elections.
- Maine: Implemented RCV for all state and federal elections in 2018.
- Alaska: Adopted RCV for federal elections in 2020.
- New York City: Introduced RCV for municipal elections in 2019.
- San Francisco: Utilized RCV since 2004 for local elections.
- Federal Level: In December 2025, the Ranked Choice Voting Act was reintroduced in Congress, proposing RCV for all congressional primary and general elections starting in 2028. (welch.senate.gov)
- State Level: In September 2023, a bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers reintroduced legislation to implement RCV and top-five nonpartisan primaries for U.S. House and Senate elections. (apnews.com)
- Complexity: Some voters find the system confusing, potentially leading to increased error rates.
- Cost: Implementing RCV can require significant changes to election infrastructure.
- Political Resistance: Opponents argue that RCV can lead to unintended consequences, such as the election of less popular candidates.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Understand the mechanics and benefits of RCV.
- Engage with Local Officials: Discuss the potential advantages of RCV with policymakers.
- Build a Coalition: Partner with organizations and individuals who support electoral reform.
- Initiate a Ballot Measure: In some jurisdictions, citizens can propose changes to election laws through ballot initiatives.
- Maine: Implemented RCV for all state and federal elections in 2018.
- Alaska: Adopted RCV for federal elections in 2020.
- New York City: Introduced RCV for municipal elections in 2019.
- Federal Legislation: The Ranked Choice Voting Act was reintroduced in December 2025, proposing RCV for all congressional elections starting in 2028.
- State Legislation: In September 2023, Wisconsin lawmakers reintroduced legislation to implement RCV and top-five nonpartisan primaries for U.S. House and Senate elections.
- Fair Representation Act (United States), 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Ranked Choice Voting Act of 2025, 2025. (welch.senate.gov)
- Ranked Choice Voting in the United States, 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers propose ranked-choice voting and top-five primaries, 2023. (apnews.com)
- Ranked Choice Voting Expands Across America in 2025 — From New York City to Fort Collins, 2025. (rankmivote.org)
- Bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers propose ranked-choice voting and top-five primaries, Published on Wednesday, September 20
- Connecticut’s Democratic governor creates working group to develop ranked-choice voting legislation, Published on Thursday, June 06
- How Ranked-Choice Voting in the New York City Mayoral Primary Works, Published on Friday, June 20
Implementation of Ranked-Choice Voting in the United States
As of January 2026, RCV has been adopted in various jurisdictions across the U.S., with notable implementations in:
In 2025, 18 U.S. cities and counties, including New York City, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City, used RCV in their elections. (rankmivote.org)
Recent Legislative Developments
Several legislative efforts have aimed to expand RCV usage:
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its advantages, RCV faces challenges:
How to Advocate for Ranked-Choice Voting
If you’re interested in promoting RCV in your area:
Conclusion
Ranked-choice voting offers a promising alternative to traditional electoral systems, aiming to produce outcomes that better reflect the will of the electorate. While challenges exist, ongoing legislative efforts and public interest suggest a growing momentum toward its adoption across the United States.