Michigan ranked choice voting campaign makes waves in the news
This summer, Rank MI Vote launched a campaign to put ranked choice voting (RCV) on Michigan’s November 2026 ballot. If the measure passes, ranked choice voting would be used for state and federal elections, and cities across Michigan would have the option to use RCV in local elections.
This week, Rank MI Vote leaders have been interviewed by radio stations across the state – spreading the word and building momentum for RCV. These appearances include:
- Campaign Director Joe Spaulding on WDET’s The Metro (9/4)
- Executive Director Pat Zabawa on Daily Detroit (9/3)
- Volunteer leader Bill Bray on Northern Michigan’s WMKT (9/2)
In recent years, Michigan has become one of the nation’s most important swing states. In four of the last five statewide federal elections, candidates have won office with under 50% of the vote. Both Democrats and Republicans have warned voters about “spoiler” candidates, and voters are pressured to choose the lesser of two evils in a state that could decide the presidency or control of Congress.
Ranked choice voting would solve these problems in Michigan. Candidates need a majority to win, and voters are free to cast their ballots honestly – if their top choice can’t win, their ballot simply counts for a backup choice. As Bill Bray told WMKT:
Ranked choice voting gives more power back to the voters… and it helps candidates who can get a majority of the support.
Ballot Petition Overview by Rank MI Vote
Advocates need to collect 446,198 signatures to put ranked choice voting on the Michigan ballot, which is no small feat. Pat Zabawa says Rank MI Vote is up to the task:
When we qualify for the ballot, it will have taken the biggest signature collection campaign in Michigan history. That might intimidate some campaigns, but it’s what this team is built for. We have thousands of volunteers who are very eager to win this with shoe leather and hard work.
Find out more about Rank MI Vote’s efforts here.
