Ranked Choice Voting Discussions Surge as Adoption Nears 28 Million Voters by 2030

FairVote, a national organization advocating for electoral reform, is encouraging widespread discussion about Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) among friends and family this Thanksgiving. The group recently shared resources online, stating, "Want to talk to friends and family about #RankedChoiceVoting this Thanksgiving? Looking for quick resources, explainers, and ways to get involved? We’ve got you covered ⬇️" This initiative aims to educate the public on a voting system gaining significant traction across the United States.

Ranked Choice Voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than choosing just one. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are reallocated to the voters' next preferences until a majority winner emerges. This system is currently used in statewide elections in Maine and Alaska, and in over 50 cities and counties, representing approximately 17 million Americans.

Recent studies indicate strong voter satisfaction and understanding where RCV is implemented. Surveys from Utah and California Bay Area cities show that over 90% of voters understand RCV well, with a significant majority expressing satisfaction and a desire to retain or expand its use. Research also suggests RCV can increase voter turnout, encourage more civil campaigns, and lead to the election of candidates with broader support.

The growing interest in RCV extends to national political discussions, with the Democratic National Committee recently debating its potential use for the 2028 presidential primaries. Locally, cities like Juneau, Alaska, are considering becoming the first major Alaskan city to adopt RCV for municipal elections, building on the state's existing statewide system. FairVote's strategic plan aims to double the number of Americans with access to RCV to 28 million by 2030.

FairVote, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, champions RCV as a means to foster a more representative and accountable government. The organization provides tailored research, communications support, and cross-partisan engagement to advance the RCV movement. Their ongoing efforts highlight the system's potential to address issues like political polarization and ensure majority rule.