Ranked choice voting (RCV) is an innovative election system designed to give voters more say in who wins. Instead of choosing just one candidate, voters rank candidates in order of preference. This system is used in New York City (NYC) for certain local elections, helping ensure that elected officials have broader support.
In this article, we explain how does ranked choice voting work, specifically how does NYC ranked choice voting work, and answer common questions about the process.
What Is Ranked Choice Voting?
Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates rather than voting for just one. On the ballot, voters can mark their first choice, second choice, third choice, and so on, depending on how many candidates are running.
If no candidate gets more than fifty percent of the first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Then, votes for the eliminated candidate are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on voters’ next choices. This process continues until one candidate has a majority.
This method ensures that the winner has support from a majority of voters, not just a small plurality.
How Does Ranked Choice Voting Work in NYC?
In New York City, ranked choice voting was first implemented in 2021 for local primary and special elections. This applies to offices such as mayor, public advocate, comptroller, borough president, and city council members.
Here is a simple step-by-step explanation of how does NYC ranked choice voting work:
Step 1: Rank Up to Five Candidates
Voters can rank up to five candidates on their ballot. They mark their first-choice candidate in the first column, their second choice in the second column, and so on. You can still choose to vote for just one candidate if you prefer.
Step 2: Count First Choices
All first-choice votes are counted first. If a candidate gets more than fifty percent of these votes, that candidate wins.
Step 3: Eliminate and Redistribute
If no one has a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Voters who chose the eliminated candidate as their first choice will have their votes transferred to their next preferred candidate.
Step 4: Repeat Until a Winner
This elimination and redistribution continue until a candidate crosses the fifty percent threshold.
Benefits of Ranked Choice Voting
Ranked choice voting offers several benefits for voters and candidates:
- Encourages more civil campaigns since candidates aim to be voters’ second or third choices too.
- Reduces the chances of “spoiler” candidates who split the vote.
- Promotes winners with broad support rather than those who win with a small plurality.
- Allows voters to express their preferences more fully.
Is Ranked Choice Voting Complicated?
Many voters worry that ranked choice voting may be confusing, but in practice it is straightforward. In NYC, election officials provide clear instructions and sample ballots to guide voters. If you choose to vote for just one candidate, your vote still counts fully for that candidate.
Does Ranked Choice Voting Change Election Outcomes?
Ranked choice voting can change outcomes by ensuring that the winner has wider support. Candidates who may not have the most first-choice votes but have strong second and third-choice support can win in later rounds of counting. This helps prevent situations where someone wins despite being opposed by the majority.
FAQs
How does ranked choice voting work if I only pick one candidate?
If you only rank one candidate, your vote counts for that candidate as long as they remain in the race. If they are eliminated and you did not rank anyone else, your vote no longer counts in later rounds.
Can I rank the same candidate multiple times?
No. Ranking the same candidate more than once does not give them extra votes. Only your first ranking for that candidate counts.
What happens if I make a mistake on my ballot?
If you make a mistake, you can ask for a new ballot before submitting it. Election staff in NYC are trained to help you correct errors.
Does ranked choice voting apply to all elections in NYC?
No. In NYC, it is only used for local primary and special elections, not for general elections or state and federal races.
