1. What is Ranked Choice Voting?
2. Why should Massachusetts adopt Rank Choice Voting?
3. How do we get Rank Choice Voting in Massachusetts?
4. How are the votes counted?

 

1. What is Ranked Choice Voting?

Rank Choice Voting (also known as "instant runoff voting") is a method of voting which ensures that the winning candidate is the one most preferred by voters, regardless of how many candidates are in the race. It ensures that no one is throwing away their vote by voting for the candidate they agree with, and it eliminates fears about "spoilers" taking votes away from other candidates. It works by letting each voter rank the candidates s/he likes in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd) , instead of voting for just one candidate. If your first choice loses, your vote is reassigned to your second choice candidate.

2. Why should Massachusetts adopt Rank Choice Voting?

Majority rule. A democratic election result should reflect the majority opinion of voters. Under the current system, elections with three or more candidates can be won with less than a majority. Rank Choice Voting would ensure that an election winner has support from a majority of voters.

More Voices, More Choices. Fear of "spoilers" taking votes away from front-runners or incumbents prevents many candidates from running, and discourages voters from supporting such candidates. This barrier limits the exchange of ideas during the campaign season, limits the choices voters have at the ballot box, and makes it harder for voters to hold politicians accountable.

True Preference. Rank Choice Voting allows voters to express their true preference without having to make a tactical choice based on who they think is likely to win. It preserves the vote as a truly democratic expression.

Civil Debate. Candidates will want to win second choice votes from the supporters of other candidates. This rewards candidates with a positive message and deters candidates from smearing their opposition.

3. How do we get Rank Choice Voting in Massachusetts?

Sign the petition to get it on the ballot and vote for it on election day!

4. How are the votes counted?

The term "Instant Run-off Voting" is sometimes used to describe the counting process. First choices on all ballots are counted. If there are two candidates, the candidate receiving the most 1st choice votes wins. If there are three or more candidates and no one candidate receives a majority, the candidate with the fewest 1st choice votes is eliminated and his/her votes are reassigned to the remaining candidates based on the second choice marked on each ballot. (If your 1st choice candidate isn't eliminated, your vote remains.) The process continues until there are only two candidates remaining, and the winner takes a majority.