How does Ranked Choice Voting address the problems in our current voting system?

A:

Ranked Choice Voting is a simple reform that produces more civil, inclusive, participatory, and representative outcomes than the current first-past-the-post system. 

By eliminating runoff elections, RCV reduces costs for election administrators and for candidates.

By allowing voters to express their true preferences instead of voting for the “lesser of two evils,” RCV:

  • Eliminates "wasted" votes.
  • Solves the "spoiler" problem and gives voters more choice.
  • Increases voter participation as more voters feel their vote is more effective.

By allowing voters to rank their votes, RCV: 

  • Ensures that votes count if people vote early or by mail even if some candidates drop out before election day.
  • Simulates a runoff in a single, cost-effective election ensuring candidates win with the broadest support possible rather than simply being able to win with a plurality of votes cast.
  • Rolls two elections into one, eliminating the need for low-turnout, costly runoffs in elections where winning by majority is required. 

By its use in primaries, RCV:

  • Eliminates the opportunity for a small group of voters to prematurely winnow the field of candidates in a low-turnout primary.
  • Eliminates runoff elections so reduces taxpayer cost of running elections and candidate cost to run.
  • Gives voters more choice and an equal voice in a single, high-turnout, election.

By requiring candidates to seek voters’ second-choice support, RCV:

  • Reduces the incentive for candidates to attack their opponents and promotes more civil, issue-oriented campaigns.
  • Rewards candidates who appeal to a broad base of voters.
  • Results in office-holders who more fully represent the views and desires of a broad swath of voters.
  • Fosters coalition-building and discovering shared goals.

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