9 things to know about ranked choice voting
Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference in an election. With ranked choice voting, you aren’t limited to picking just one candidate. But how does it work? Below are a few frequently asked questions about ranked choice voting.
1. What is ranked choice voting?
Ranked choice voting allows a voter the option to rank their candidates in order of preference — first, second, third, and so on rather than picking just one candidate. This is a commonsense change to the ballot that enables a better voter experience, better campaigns, and ultimately, better government.
2. How does ranked choice voting work?
Ballots are counted in instant runoff rounds where candidates receiving the fewest top-choice votes are eliminated and their supporters’ ballots are then counted toward the next choice indicated on each ballot. These rounds repeat until one candidate has the support of more than half of the voters.
3. Why should we use ranked choice voting?
Winning with ranked choice voting requires a majority of support. Candidates need to earn their opponents’ supporters’ second and third choice votes on the ballot. This encourages them to find common ground and talk about the substance of issues, rather than negative campaigning — which alienates voters. This process consolidates the voting power of like-minded voters, no matter how many candidates are running, rather than seeing the strength of their votes diluted and divided between multiple similar candidates. It means no more spoiler problem, so more candidates with a variety of backgrounds or ideas can run without worrying about distorting the outcome of the election.
4. What’s wrong with the way we vote now?
Our current system has resulted in partisan gridlock and polarization.
Elections with multiple candidates often result in a winner with only 20-30% of the vote, leading to a government that isn’t representative.
Negative campaigning is rewarded and there cannot be a nuanced conversation about issues. Candidates reflexively vilify their opponents, even when there may be things they agree on.
The electorate ends up further divided and the candidate — even if they do win — doesn’t have the consensus needed to effectively govern.
Voters are often forced to act like pundits and decide whether to vote for the candidate who really speaks to their priorities or the candidate they think can win. There are no wasted votes in a ranked choice voting election — your voice will still count.
5. Is ranked choice voting confusing for voters?
NO. This is the most common talking point against ranked choice voting and it’s been disproven by every bit of polling data. Voters who use ranked choice voting understand it, like it, and want to use it again. In the recent high-profile Alaska election that used ranked choice voting, 85% of voters said ranking was simple. Voter education is key, of course, which is why we’re working so hard to get the word out.
6. What is the status of ranked choice voting in Virginia?
In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB1103, a pilot program that would allow local governing bodies (County Boards of Supervisors or City Councils) to use ranked choice voting for their future elections. Ranked choice voting was used by the Republican Party of Virginia in its statewide nominating elections in 2021 which nominated Glenn Youngkin, and Arlington became the first locality to adopt ranked choice voting for their County Board primaries in 2023.
7. Where else is ranked choice voting used?
Versions of ranked choice voting are used all over the world, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., 28 states have used ranked choice voting in at least one jurisdiction and Maine and Alaska use ranked choice voting statewide.
8. Does ranked choice voting benefit moderate candidates?
Ranked choice voting benefits consensus candidates. Polls have long shown that the average American voter is more moderate than the flanks of their parties, so often a candidate with broad appeal is moderate. However, ranked choice voting elections effectively honor the will of the electorate so if the election is held in a very red or very blue district, the voters will elect someone who reflects their views, no matter where those views fall on the political spectrum.
9. Is ranked choice voting a Democratic or Republican issue?
In Virginia, both parties have been open to this innovation and have used ranked choice voting to great effect. We have a unique opportunity to push something forward that both parties support AND would benefit voters — a true political unicorn.
Want to see more of ranked choice voting in Virginia? Sign up to learn more or volunteer with us to spread the word about ranked choice voting across the Commonwealth.
