How to explain ranked choice voting to someone else

STEP 1: Cast your vote

When you fill out your ballot, you can vote for one or you can rank the candidates by preference and have a “back-up” choice(s) if your 1st choice falls short. Back-up candidates never hurt your first choice.

Here’s an example of a ballot:

Poll with three candidates and their voting options for first, second, and third choices.

STEP 2: Votes are counted

If a candidate receives more than 50% of the 1st choice votes that’s it, they are declared the winner. Go to Step 3.

Instant Run-Offs

If no candidate wins 50% or more of the vote, there is an “instant runoff" The last-place candidate is eliminated. If you voted for the eliminated candidate, your vote is then transferred to your second choice still in the running. This cycle repeats until one candidate wins more than 50% of the vote and declared the winner. Then go to Step

Colorful balloons in purple, blue, and pink float in front of a large turquoise heart with small decorative shapes around.

STEP 3: The winner celebrates

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