FairVote news update: May 11, 2026
In the past few weeks, we saw the first ranked choice voting ballot measure win of 2026 in Berwyn Heights, MD, plus candidates cross-endorsing in Maine’s gubernatorial primary. Read on to learn about these developments and more.
But first, make sure to sign up for FairVote’s webinar on Thursday, May 14 at 4pm ET about ranked choice voting and the 2026 primaries.
The latest election reform news
- The Maine primaries are showing how ranked choice voting (RCV) makes campaigns more positive – with candidates complimenting and cross-endorsing each other on the debate stage. Read more.
- Berwyn Heights, MD became the first community this year to pass a ranked choice voting ballot measure. Read more.
- In gutting news for our democracy, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Louisiana v. Callais that dismantled landmark protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. See how key voting rights partners reacted, or read FairVote’s statement.
- The Florida legislature approved a new redistricting plan expected to increase the number of Republican-held congressional seats by four. Read more.
- Meanwhile, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the congressional map approved in April that was intended to increase the number of Democratic-held seats. Read how proportional representation could offer a lasting solution to the gerrymandering wars.
- FairVote Senior Fellow David Daley has discussed Callais and the latest gerrymandering news across media outlets, including The Guardian, Christian Science Monitor, and Salon.
- Nebraska’s U.S. Senate primaries are tomorrow. Two candidates are accused of being “plants” trying to manipulate the state’s choose-one elections. Learn more in this video:
- Guest author Haliema Twam reflects on how ranked choice voting can help Arab Americans build political power. Read her article.
Spotlight on Louisiana v. Callais
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais guts enforcement of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which has protected voters of color from racial discrimination for the past 61 years and represents the greatest achievement of the Civil Rights Movement.
In a new article in The Hill, Spencer Overton – a law professor and founder of the Multiracial Democracy Project – examines the devastating effect the ruling could have on representation for people of color. He notes that:
In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, politicians will gain even greater power to draw congressional, state and local legislative district lines that silence the voices and votes of communities of color.
Overton says we should “think beyond our current system” and “use this moment to build a democracy that truly works for all,” highlighting proportional representation as one way to do so.
