RANKED CHOICE BALLOTS

This action plan is aligned with the LWVUS 2020-2022 position which supports electoral methods that “implement alternatives to plurality voting.”   In addition, the LWV-VA specifically supports implementation of Ranked-Choice Voting as part of its Election Laws position, adopted at the 2021 Convention.

In 2020, Virginia passed HB1103, effective July 1, 2021, permitting localities to use ranked-choice ballots in elections for local offices, with each locality responsible for additional expenses related to this change.

Objective:

To provide the LWVFRA with an educational and action plan to advocate for ordinances by one or more jurisdictions in our area to implement instant-runoff elections using ranked-choice ballots for county boards of supervisors and city councils. A ranked-choice voting option has the potential to provide benefits often not realized under plurality-winner elections.

Scope:

Obtain the State Board of Elections’ outline for local jurisdictions to implement ranked-choice ballots.

Develop an action plan to advocate for ranked-choice ballot ordinances locally. The plan would include such actions as:

• Preparing a fact sheet on the benefits and impacts of using ranked-choice ballots for distribution to local legislators and citizens.
• Arranging meetings with local elected officials
• Writing an op-ed piece for the Free Lance-Star, and
• Engaging in outreach to local civic groups, schools, and advocates.

Time frame: July 2022 – July 2023

If you are interested in helping out with this effort, please contact lwvfra@gmail.com.