Maryland passes first state law including ranked choice voting
On May 12, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed SB848 / HB1448 into law. This bipartisan legislation sets new requirements for election administration, including for ranked choice voting (RCV) elections in cities. This marks the first time that ranked choice voting is written into Maryland law.
During the 2026 legislative session, Ranked Choice Voting Maryland organized volunteers to advocate for pro-RCV legislation. Across the state, Marylanders sent hundreds of emails, post cards, phone calls, and gave testimony during hearings to express their support for ranked choice voting.
Ranked choice voting is growing in popularity in Maryland and around the country. Just last week, voters in Berwyn Heights passed the first RCV ballot measure of the year, and Greenbelt voters approved RCV in a ballot measure last November. Takoma Park has used RCV since 2007.
Neighboring Washington, DC is using it for the first time next month, and Maryland becomes the second state to pass pro-RCV legislation this year, after its neighbor Virginia expanded a local options pilot program in April.
To support RCV in the Old Line State, visit Ranked Choice Voting Maryland today!
