ABOUT RANKED CHOICE VOTING (RCV)
What is Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)?
Ranked choice voting (RCV) makes our elections better by allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference: first, second, third, and so forth. If your first choice doesn’t have a chance to win, your ballot counts for your next choice.
Where is RCV Used?
Voters across the country are embracing Ranked Choice Voting. It has won 34 of its last 35 city ballot measures. It’s used statewide in Alaska, Maine, and Washington, DC, as well as in nearly 50 jurisdictions across the country.
Additionally, RCV is nothing new to Hawaii: It’s already used for Honolulu city council vacancies, federal special elections (like for vacancies to the US Senate or House of Representatives), and the Democratic presidential primary.
Why Should Oʻahu Use RCV?
- Voters get more choice, and can vote their conscience
With RCV, voters don’t need to worry about “spoilers,” or feel forced to vote for the lesser of two evils. - Winners have majority support
Each vote is precious and should count to the full extent possible. RCV yields election outcomes that better represent voter preferences. Winners elected with RCV have majority support and truly represent their communities. - Discourages negative campaigning
With RCV, candidates also compete for second-choice support from their opponents’ supporters, which lessens the incentive to run negative campaigns
Voting YES on 5 means that starting in 2032, ranked-choice voting will be used for the Mayor, City Council, and Prosecuting Attorney, and these offices will be decided in the November election by a larger and more representative electorate.
Read why your fellow community members support using RCV and are voting YES on 5 here.