Is Ranked-Choice Voting: A Better Way to Elect Leaders?
Ranked-Choice Voting: A Better Way to Elect Leaders?
Introduction
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is gaining momentum across the United States as a reform aimed at making elections more fair, inclusive, and representative. In a political landscape often dominated by divisive campaigns and strategic voting, RCV offers voters more power and more voice. But what exactly is ranked-choice voting, and how does it work? What are its advantages and drawbacks? And can it truly improve American democracy?
What Is Ranked-Choice Voting?
Ranked-choice voting, sometimes called instant-runoff voting, allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than choosing just one. On the ballot, voters mark their first-choice candidate, then their second choice, third, and so on (usually up to 5 candidates, depending on the jurisdiction).
Here's how the process works:
First-choice votes are counted.
If a candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, they win.
If no one has a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated.
Voters who selected the eliminated candidate have their next-ranked choice counted.
The process continues until one candidate has a majority.
This system ensures that the winner has broad support, not just a narrow plurality.
Where Is RCV Used?
Ranked-choice voting is already used in several places:
Maine: First state to adopt RCV for federal elections (including presidential races).
Alaska: Uses RCV combined with an open primary system.
New York City: Uses RCV in local primaries and special elections.
San Francisco, Oakland, Minneapolis, and other cities also use it for local elections.
Globally, countries like Ireland, Australia, and parts of the UK use versions of ranked-choice voting.
Benefits of Ranked-Choice Voting
1. Promotes Majority Support
RCV ensures that winners are elected by a true majority. In plurality elections, candidates can win with far less than 50% of the vote if the field is crowded. RCV eliminates this concern by redistributing votes until someone has a majority.
2. Reduces “Spoiler” Candidates
One of RCV’s biggest appeals is that it lessens the spoiler effect. Voters can support a third-party or outsider candidate without fearing they’ll “waste” their vote. If their first choice is eliminated, their vote still counts toward their next preferred candidate.
3. Encourages Positive Campaigning
Since candidates want to earn second- and third-choice votes, they have an incentive to be less negative and more collaborative. This can lead to more civil debates and a focus on policy rather than personal attacks.
4. Reflects Voter Preferences More Accurately
Voters get to express a range of preferences, not just a single pick. This helps identify candidates with broad, cross-cutting appeal, rather than just those with intense but narrow support.
Criticisms and Concerns
1. Voter Confusion
Some critics argue that RCV is too complicated. Voters unfamiliar with the system may make mistakes, “exhaust” their ballots (by not ranking enough candidates), or be unsure how their vote will count.
2. Ballot Exhaustion
If a voter’s ranked choices are all eliminated, their ballot no longer counts in the final round — this is called ballot exhaustion. Some argue this undermines the idea of achieving a “majority winner.”
3. Slower Results
RCV can take days or even weeks to finalize, especially in large elections with many candidates. Critics worry that this delay reduces public confidence and transparency.
4. Implementation Costs
Transitioning to RCV requires new voting machines, voter education, and ballot design. The initial cost can be high, although some argue the benefits outweigh this over time.
Case Study: New York City
In 2021, New York City used RCV in its mayoral primaries. Voter turnout increased, and many voters took advantage of the ranking system. However, confusion emerged around how votes were tallied, especially in a race with more than a dozen candidates. While many praised the civility of the campaign, others criticized the long delay in results.
In 2025, RCV played a central role again when Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor. Though he initially led in first-choice votes, his victory was sealed by gaining second- and third-choice votes from candidates eliminated in later rounds. Supporters hailed this as a sign of true majority support. Critics, however, noted that only 17% of registered voters turned out, raising concerns about whether the outcome truly reflected the will of the people.
Is RCV the Future of American Elections?
RCV is not a magic fix, but it does offer clear advantages in promoting voter choice, majority rule, and more civil campaigns. As dissatisfaction with the current electoral system grows, more cities and states are exploring or adopting RCV as a reform.
Yet, its success depends on how well it’s explained and implemented. Voter education, transparency in counting, and clear communication are essential. In a deeply divided political climate, ranked-choice voting offers a promising way to build bridges rather than reinforce walls.
Conclusion
Ranked-choice voting represents a shift toward a more inclusive and representative form of democracy. While it comes with challenges, its potential to transform elections by empowering voters and encouraging majority consensus is significant. As more cities and states adopt RCV, its strengths — and weaknesses — will become clearer. But one thing is certain: Americans are hungry for change, and ranked-choice voting offers a compelling path forward.
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