12 states kicked off their 2019 legislative sessions with ranked choice voting bills

Missourians For Fair and Open Elections campaigns for electoral reforms by organizing and fighting for better representation for Missouri’s voters.

When Maine voters adopted ranked choice voting on November 8, 2016, the result was heralded as “hope for the future.” However, a recent controversial move in South Dakota demonstrates how politicians can react to reform with knee-jerk opposition, and some worry that at least some Maine legislators are seeking a way to delay, or even repeal, ranked choice voting - against the wishes of the people.

FairVote has been thrilled to see the energy from both long-time supporters and folks that are just starting to enter into the discussion. There are several ways you can get involved with our efforts

Senate Bill 1288, sponsored by Senator Mark Leno, which enables all of the state’s general law jurisdictions to use fairer voting methods, including ranked choice voting, passed the state assembly last Thursday 46-26. The bill passed the State Senate back in May and is now headed to the desk of Governor Jerry Brown.

Tuesday marked the launch of the first Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. The caucus held a press conference outside the Capitol, led by Co-Chairs Representative Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Representative Terri Sewell (AL-7) announcing the formation of the caucus and the policy goals it hopes to advance.

The New York City Council took a step forward in improving elections by including the adoption of ranked choice voting in its legislative agenda for the New York State Legislature. The City Council wrote in favor of legislation proposed by Assemblyman Brian Kavanaugh that would allow New York City to implement RCV for citywide primary elections.

 2015 is shaping up to be a monumental year for ranked choice voting (RCV). Across the country, a growing number of activists and legislators are taking steps to implement RCV in their city or state. Here's an overview of the legislation that has already been introduced this year.