What is Ranked Choice Voting?

Ranked Choice Voting allows voters to choose multiple candidates, ranked in order of preference. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

On election day, all of the first choice votes are added up (just like we do with our current system). If someone wins 50% or more of the vote, then they are declared the winner and the election is over. However, if no one receives more than 50% of the votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated from the race. If your preferred candidate is eliminated from the race, your vote is automatically transferred to your second choice. Again, these votes are counted and if someone has more than 50% of the votes, she is declared the winner. If not, another candidate is eliminated and the process repeats until there is a winner with a majority of the votes.

This proposed system has many different names including Instant Runoff Voting and the Alternative Vote.  The system uses Ranked Ballots, also known as Preferential Ballots.  Despite all the confusing names, the concept is quite simple and is already used across Canada and around the world. Voters simply mark their choice on the ballot, ranking the candidates in order of preference. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

But you know what? Ranked Choice Voting can be explained in 39 seconds – just watch the video below!