Nation’s capital adopts ranked choice voting!

On November 5, Washington, DC voted to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) and let independents vote in the primary of their choice. Initial results show the initiative passing with an overwhelming 73% in favor – and with over two-thirds support in all eight wards! This historic vote in the nation’s capital comes on the heels of ranked choice voting’s success in nearby Takoma Park, MD and Arlington, VA – which have each used it successfully in multiple election cycles. 

With ranked choice voting, voters get real choices, parties get stronger nominees, and candidates need a majority to win. It’s a win-win solution, and that’s why it’s become the fastest-growing voting reform in the nation.

In addition to implementing RCV, Initiative 83 opens DC’s taxpayer-funded primary elections to registered independents. This will empower thousands of residents who were previously locked out of the District’s most consequential elections.

YES! DC voters have spoken and approved Initiative 83. Thank you to every single person who voted YES to let independents vote in primaries and to bring ranked choice voting to my hometown. The YES on 83 Campaign thanks the DC Board of Elections for their hard work administering this election, and we look forward to implementing both reforms beginning in 2026.

– Lisa D.T. Rice, proposer of Initiative 83

Pending funding from the City Council, DC could use ranked choice voting as soon as 2026. RCV will be used for all primary and general elections in the District, including to award DC’s electoral votes in presidential races.

Initiative 83 qualified for the ballot after supporters submitted over 40,000 signatures in favor – likely the most signatures ever submitted for a DC ballot initiative. The Yes on 83 campaign earned a diverse coalition of support, including elected officials, businesses, neighborhood associations, and the Washington Post – the city’s largest newspaper.

For more information on the path ahead for the movement, visit FairVote’s website. To support RCV where you live, join an RCV group in your state today!