PRESS RELEASE: UpVote Virginia Applauds Arlington County Board Decision to Extend the Use of Ranked Choice Voting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 14, 2026

Arlington, Va. — UpVote Virginia today applauded the decision by the Arlington County Board to extend the use of ranked choice voting (RCV) for the next two Arlington County Board general elections.

When the Virginia General Assembly first authorized localities to pilot ranked choice voting, Arlington stepped forward to lead. County officials implemented the system through a careful, deliberate process that included extensive voter outreach and close collaboration with election administrators.

“Arlington has been a true pioneer for ranked choice voting in Virginia,” said Liz White, executive director of UpVote Virginia. “They have taken a thoughtful approach and made steady progress to ensure the system worked for their communities.”

Because of Arlington’s leadership, localities across the Commonwealth now have a clear example of how ranked choice voting can be successfully implemented.

“Arlington voters have shown they understand ranked ballots and want this system to continue,” White said. “The more voters experience ranked choice voting, the more they appreciate having the ability to express their preferences and ensure winning candidates earn majority support.”

UpVote Virginia also noted that ranked choice voting remains relevant to ongoing conversations in Arlington about the future structure of local government and how best to ensure representation and accountability to residents.

“Ranked choice voting is a flexible tool that can support a variety of electoral systems while ensuring voters have meaningful choice and majority-supported outcomes,” White said.

UpVote Virginia thanked Arlington leaders, election officials, and residents who participated in the pilot program and helped demonstrate how ranked choice voting can strengthen elections across the Commonwealth.

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