Ranked choice voting (RCV) is having its biggest year ever. It’s growing in red, blue and purple states. It’s a nonpartisan reform that gives voters more choice and more voice and gives candidates incentives to run better campaigns. In short, it’s a better way to vote.
That’s why RCV is recommended by parliamentary guides like Robert’s Rules of Order and used for countless nongovernmental elections, from Canada’s largest conservative party in leadership elections to best picture at the Oscars. Students elect leaders with RCV at nearly 100 American colleges, reflecting its popularity with young voters.
Here’s how RCV works: Instead of picking just one candidate, voters are allowed to rank them — first, second, third, and so on. It’s simple — rank candidates in order of true preference, just as we typically do in our heads when making choices. The tallying logic is simple, too. Your vote will count for your next-ranked choice if your first choice can’t win.
