2022 has more RCV ballot measures than ever before
This year, a record 10 jurisdictions across the United States will vote on whether to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) in their elections. The lucky places include the largest cities in several states, small towns, and the whole state of Nevada.
Recent RCV ballot measures have a track record of success. From 2016-2021, there were 20 measures to enact RCV on the ballot, including four statewide measures (two in Maine) and 16 measures in cities and counties. Of those, there were 18 victories. In the last 13 cities to vote on RCV in 2019-2021, the average margin of victory has been by nearly 30 percentage points.
Below are confirmed measures that will be on the ballot in November 2022. To follow the results of each measure as they come in on election night, visit FairVote Action.
Nevada (statewide)
Nevada voters will vote on a state constitutional amendment to establish a “final five voting” system, after Nevada Voters First collected sufficient signatures to place the measure on the ballot. With final five voting, voters would vote for one candidate during a nonpartisan open primary, then in the general election would use RCV to choose among the top five finalists. The state Supreme Court upheld the measure, and on July 20th, the state confirmed its place on the ballot. Implementation will require a vote of approval in both November 2022 and November 2024. Learn more in this update from Doug Goodman of Nevadans for Election Reform and get involved with the campaign.
San Juan County, Washington
On December 6, 2021, San Juan County’s Charter Commission placed a charter amendment on the ballot to adopt RCV for local elections. San Juan County’s measure was the first RCV ballot measure scheduled for the 2022 election cycle. Learn more in our spotlight on FairVote Washington and get involved with the campaign.
Clark County, Washington
On December 8, 2021, the Clark County Charter Review Commission voted 11 to 4 to put an RCV measure on the 2022 ballot. Clark County is Washington’s fifth largest county, with over 400,000 residents just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. This measure would significantly increase the number of Americans who use RCV. Learn more in this update by FairVote Washington and get involved with the campaign.
Multnomah County, Oregon
On June 29, 2022, the Multnomah Charter Review Committee voted 9-1-1 to place a referendum on the ballot, asking voters whether to adopt RCV for elections in Oregon’s most populous county, with more than 800,0000 residents. This referendum is being held on the same day that Portland (the county’s largest city) is voting on whether to adopt RCV for city elections. Learn more by visiting Oregon Ranked Choice Voting and the Coalition of Communities of Color.
Portland, Oregon
On June 14, 2022, the Portland Charter Commission voted to refer a measure to the November ballot that would implement ranked choice voting for all city offices, including proportional ranked choice voting for city council. The charter amendment package would establish four city council districts, each of which would choose three council members via proportional ranked choice voting. If the measure passes, Portland will be the largest American city using proportional RCV, with over 600,000 residents.
Portland United for Change is leading the “Yes” campaign on Measure 26-228, backed by the largest coalition ever assembled in Portland with over 50 local organizational endorsers. The measure is polling well at 63% support but faces major opposition by wealthy and well-connected interests in city hall and the big businesses who enjoy the status quo. Political scientists from an array of local colleges and universities agree that the change will benefit Portland. You can learn more about the ballot measure in this comprehensive recap by the Sightline Institute, view a demonstration of how proportional RCV works, and support the campaign by donating or signing up for a virtual phonebank shift.
Fort Collins, Colorado
On June 21, 2022, the Fort Collins city council voted 6-1 to advance an RCV measure to the November ballot. The state of Colorado passed legislation in 2021 allowing cities to adopt RCV for municipal elections. If the measure passes, Fort Collins will join five other Colorado cities and towns in using RCV. Learn more in this update from Ranked Choice Voting for Fort Collins about how they built a successful movement and get involved with the campaign.
Portland, Maine
On June 22, 2022, a charter commission in Maine’s largest city voted unanimously (12-0) to enable the city council to pass ordinances to use proportional ranked choice voting for any of the city’s multi-winner elections. Ranked choice voting is already used for all city elections based on two prior charter amendments approved by the voters. The League of Women Voters of Maine has been a great advocate for RCV throughout its history in the state.
Evanston, Illinois
On July 11, 2022, the Evanston City Council voted 7-0-2 (2 abstentions) to place a referendum on the ballot asking voters whether to adopt RCV for local elections. A city of more than 70,000 people, Evanston lies north of Chicago and is part of the greater metropolitan area. If the measure passes, Evanston will be the first city in Illinois to adopt RCV for all voters, paving the path for others. The campaign needs volunteers and anyone can get involved. Go to RCV for Evanston to learn more.
Seattle, Washington
On July 14, 2022, the Seattle city council voted 7-2 to place a charter amendment on the ballot that would establish RCV in primary elections, with the two finalists from the RCV tally advancing to the November general elections. Voters will first vote on whether they want to change the primary election system from its current limited vote system, then vote on whether they support an RCV primary or approval voting primary. The largest city in Washington State, Seattle has had a strong RCV movement for years, grounded in the work of groups like FairVote Washington and More Equitable Democracy. Learn more in this update and get involved with the campaign at Seattle for RCV.
Ojai, California
On July 27, 2022, the Ojai city council voted to place an RCV question on the November ballot. If it passes, RCV would be used in city council elections. Learn more in this Ojai Valley News article. California RCV is an in-state advocacy organization where you can get involved with the Golden State’s RCV movement.
