Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a system of voting that has been gaining traction in recent years, offering a new and improved way of determining elections. Starting in 2021, New York City is implementing Ranked Choice Voting in selected municipal primaries and special elections to give voters more power and reshape the way we vote in America.
What is Ranked Choice Voting?
Ranked choice voting (RCV) is an electoral system that allows voters to rank their choices from most to least preferred. When the ballots are cast and tabulated, the candidate with the most votes does not necessarily win. Instead, the candidate with the most support among the majority of voters is declared the winner.
Overview of the RCV System in New York City
Ranked Choice Voting in New York City is an optional system for our local elections. It is currently being used in certain races for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, and Council in 2021. Under RCV, voters rank candidates in order of preference—first choice, second choice, third choice and so on—with as many choices as they would like. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, then the lowest-performing candidate is eliminated and the votes are reallocated to the remaining candidates based on the voters’ second choices. This continues until one candidate receives a majority of the votes.
Advantages to Ranked Choice Voting
Ranked Choice Voting has the potential to provide many disadvantages to our electoral system. It eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming run-off elections, encourages a more civil tone among candidates, and gives more power to voters in close elections. It also reduces the influence of special interests and lessens the chance of “wasted” votes for third-party candidates.
Disadvantages to Ranked Choice Voting
While RCV offers some advantages, it also has its drawbacks. It requires that voters be familiar enough with the candidates and issues to rank them in order of preference, which can be challenging with a large number of candidates. It also requires extra time and cost for ballot tabulation and results. Finally, there is the risk of “spoiler candidates” that can decide the outcome of an election without gaining the majority of the votes.
FAQ for New York City Voters
Q. What elections are using Ranked Choice Voting in New York City?
A. RCV will be used in municipal primaries and special elections in 2021 for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, and Council.
Q. How do I cast my vote in an RCV election?
A. You should rank the candidates in order of preference. First choice, second choice, third choice, and so on.
Q. What if my favorite candidate doesn’t receive the majority of the votes?
A. No problem—the lowest-performing candidate will be eliminated and the votes are reallocated to the remaining candidates based on the voters’ second choices. The process continues until one candidate receives a majority of the votes.
Q. Is my vote going to be “wasted” if I vote for a third-party candidate?
A. No, unlike in a traditional first-past-the-post system, Ranked Choice Voting ensures that your vote can never be wasted.
Ranked Choice Voting has the potential to revolutionize the way we vote in America. In 2021, New York City is taking the lead by implementing RCV in municipal primaries and special elections. With RCV, voters have more power and elections are more fair. While there are some drawbacks to RCV, it is a system that is worth exploring for our local elections.
