How Ranked Choice Voting Works
Voters have the option to rank candidates in order of preference: first, second, third, and so on. If your first choice doesn’t have a chance to win, your ballot counts for your next choice.
RCV works in all types of elections and supports more representative outcomes. RCV means better choices, better campaigns, and better representation.

Photo from FairVote
Impact
With RCV, voters can…
- Rank candidates in order of their preference,
- Cast their ballot without concern over a wasted vote,
- Confidently know the winners have received the majority of support.
Additionally, more candidates can…
- Run in elections without the risk of splitting the vote,
- Campaign without the fear of having fewer advertisements and support,
- Actively engage in democracy with less negative campaigning.
Finally, RCV can…
- Increase civic participation,
- Increase voter turnout,
- Save money,
- Reduce systemic barriers for minority candidates.
Here’s a List of Additional Resources on Ranked Choice Voting!