November 5, 2026 – Ranked choice voting is leading ballot measures in Alaska and Irvine, CA, and was adopted by voters on Election Day in Longmont, CO. RCV is on pace to win 36 of its last 38 city ballot measures.

On Election Day, voters in Alaska, Maine, and 14 cities and counties successfully used RCV to vote for members of Congress, a governor, legislators, and mayors. FairVote has also produced preliminary, unofficial RCV tallies of Alaska’s Governor, House, and Senate races using Alaska’s cast vote record data. 

Meredith Sumpter, president and CEO of FairVote, said: 

“Two more cities are poised to adopt ranked choice voting, and Alaska looks likely to keep it. 

“Ranked choice voting continues to grow because Americans want elections that work for them, and a government that puts people above politics. Voters want change, and ranked choice voting delivers. 

“In the last decade, RCV has grown from just 10 cities to over 50 cities, counties, and states home to over 17 million people. This momentum will continue, because American voters are ready for a more productive and accountable politics that fixes what is broken.” 

Results Timing in Alaska

A ranked choice voting tally takes about a minute per race, and 80% of RCV jurisdictions produce preliminary round-by-round results within 24 hours of polls closing (with RCV results in cities like San Francisco and Portland, OR posted within minutes of polls closing on Tuesday night).  

Ranked choice voting is not responsible for results delays in Alaska. On Election Night, the state has already released cast vote records that allow election analysts and media outlets to produce preliminary, unofficial RCV tallies. 

Alaska accepts ballots for 15 days after election day, and has a long history of close races taking the entire 15 days to call – including U.S. Senate elections in 2010 and 2008, and a “Yes/No” ballot measure in 2024. None of these races used RCV. Additionally, Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed a bipartisan bill this year that would have reduced the 15-day window to 10 days. 

More information about Alaska’s election results timeline is available here. 

Ballot Measure Outcomes

• Longmont, CO: Won 56.1-43.9%
• Irvine, CA: Leading 51.6%-48.4%
• Alaska: Leading 51.9%-48.1%
• Honolulu, HI: Lost 50.5-40.6%

FairVote will release additional analysis as election results are finalized.

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FairVote is a nonpartisan organization seeking better elections for all. We research and advance voting reforms that make democracy more functional and representative for every American.