Frequently asked questions

What is Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)?

Ranked choice voting is a simple change to the ballot that enables a better voter experience, better campaigns, and ultimately, better government. Ranked Choice Voting gives voters more freedom, more expression, and more power. Instead of picking just one candidate, a voter has the option to rank their candidates in order of preference — 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so on.

How does RCV work?

Ballots are counted in “instant runoff rounds” where candidates receiving the fewest top-choices are eliminated and their supporters’ ballots are then counted toward the next choice indicated on each. These rounds repeat until one candidate has the support of more than half of the voters.

Why should we use RCV?

Because winning requires a broad majority of support, candidates need to earn their opponents’ supporters’ 2nd and 3rd choice votes on the ballot. This encourages them to find common ground and talk about the substance of issues, rather than mudslinging — 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.

What’s wrong with the way we vote now?

Our current system works fine if there are only 2 candidates on the ballot. But once you have 3 or more options (and more choices is a good thing!) our current plurality election system:

- Lets unpopular politicians win by allowing candidates to be elected even when most voters voted for someone else.

- Rewards negative campaigning and disincentivizes nuanced discussion about issues. The electorate ends up further divided and the candidate - even if they do win - doesn’t have the consensus needed to effectively govern.

- Forces voters 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 an RCV election - your voice will still count.

Why are we suddenly hearing about RCV?

RCV is the fastest growing democracy reform in the country, and there’s good reason for that. More and more people are stepping up to run for office, which is excellent! But our current electoral system doesn’t support a crowded field of candidates. Our electorate is more polarized than ever and RCV offers voters more choices, even within the same political party.

Does RCV benefit moderate candidates?

RCV 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, RCV 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.

Is RCV confusing to voters?

NO. This is the most common talking point against RCV and it’s been disproven by every bit of polling data. Voters who use RCV understand it, like it, and want to use it again. In the recent high-profile Alaska election that used RCV, 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.

Where else is RCV used?

Versions of RCV are used all over the world, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In the US, 28 states have used RCV in at least one jurisdiction and Maine and Alaska use RCV statewide. In Virginia, the GOP have used RCV in their nominating conventions for statewide offices in 2021 (Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General) and for three congressional districts in 2022 (CD 8, CD 10, CD11) as well as the special election for CD 4 in 2023.

What would RCV look like 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 RCV for their future elections. Several localities are in discussion about making this decision, including Arlington where the Board is actively soliciting voter feedback. Virginia legislators are also considering using RCV in presidential primaries. There is not currently any discussion about using RCV in general elections for any office higher than the local level so there is no direct impact on the partisan balance.

What would it cost localities to implement?

It depends on where you live. Some localities would need to upgrade their voting software to accommodate RCV elections, but all localities have the voting infrastructure to handle it. Many localities would only need to worry about paying for voter education.

Is this a Democratic or Republican issue?

In many parts of the country, this is viewed through a partisan lens as being a progressive issue. In Virginia, both parties have been open to this innovation and have used RCV to great effect. We have a unique opportunity to push something forward that both parties support AND would benefit voters - a true political unicorn.