RCV for Special Elections
Adopt ranked choice voting in all Special Elections held to fill federal, state, and municipal governing body vacancies (HB 1792, SB 637)
Summary
Currently, when a vacancy occurs there is no party primary. All individuals running for the position, regardless of party affiliation, appear on a single ballot in a Special Election. If there are many candidates, as often occurs, frequently no candidate receives a majority of the votes. A runoff election must be held at a future date between the top two candidates. Historically, voter turnout for runoff elections is low. Therefore, the two candidates that are in the runoff, and the ultimate winner, may be elected with marginal voter support.
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