Ranked Choice Voting Gains Popularity Nationwide

Ranked choice voting (RCV) has significantly grown in popularity across the United States, now used in over 50 jurisdictions impacting 16 million people, with potential expansion following upcoming elections. The system allows voters to rank candidates by preference, potentially increasing voter turnout and improving representation for women and minorities. Despite its adoption in both conservative and liberal areas, some states like Alaska are considering repealing it, citing concerns about its complexity and effectiveness. Meanwhile, Portland, Oregon, is among the cities implementing RCV for the first time this year, highlighting its increasing acceptance. In a related development, Santa Ana, California, will vote on allowing noncitizens to participate in local elections, reflecting a broader trend of expanding voting rights in certain cities across the U.S. These changes indicate a shifting landscape in American electoral processes, driven by demands for more representative and inclusive voting systems.