What is Ranked Choice Voting?


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Making choices in order of importance to us is something we do every day. What to wear, what to eat, setting daily tasks.

RCV is simple and has been used in the United States since the late 1800’s. Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) also known as Instant Run-off Voting (IRV) lets us have these same types of choices when we vote. Imagine not having to settle for a candidate simply because they are the “lesser of two evils”? Imagine you no longer had to worry if by voting for your preferred candidate you were wasting your vote or acting as a spoiler? This is RCV.

When an election is held using RCV, you only go to the polls once. Instead of voting for just one candidate (settling), you rank the candidates (first, second, third, etc). you cast your first choice vote for your favorite candidate then mark your second and subsequent choices in order. You can vote your conscience while not being a spoiler because under RCV if no candidate receives a majority of first choice votes, the candidate with the lowest number of first choice votes is eliminated and the candidate marked as the second choice on the ballots of the eliminated candidate is awarded the vote. The process continues until one candidate has a majority of the votes being counted.

Ranked Choice Voting:

  • Ensures the winning candidate has either a clear majority or a large plurality of support

  • Ensures the winning candidate is elected by a larger number of voters. Turnout for closed partisan primary elections, which often determine the general election winner, averages less than 20%, while general election turnout ranges from 60% to 75% or higher

  • Provides voters a greater choice and a greater voice while not infringing on the political parties’ First Amendment right of association.

  • Reduces negative campaigning

  • Leads to better government, more collaboration, and more real solutions benefiting all Nevadans

    Watch this video to see how RCV works

    If you believe RCV will give the citizens of Nevada a greater choice and a greater voice click the “Donate” button on the bottom of this page or send a check to the address listed here and click here to volunteer so you too will be part of the solution.