Eight additional U.S. cities will use ranked choice voting (RCV) for the first time in 2026, bringing the total to over 60 municipalities and 2 states using the alternative voting method.
How RCV Works
Voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate wins a majority of first-choice votes, the last-place candidate is eliminated and their voters' second choices are redistributed. The process continues until one candidate achieves a majority.
New RCV Cities for 2026
Portland (OR), Arlington (VA), Bloomington (IN), Ann Arbor (MI), Evanston (IL), Boulder (CO), and two others will debut RCV in their municipal elections.
Results Where Used
- Alaska and Maine use statewide RCV
- NYC implemented it in 2021 for primaries
- Studies show RCV reduces negative campaigning
- Voter satisfaction polls show 65% support after experiencing RCV
- Critics argue it's confusing (but ballot spoilage rates are actually lower than traditional voting)
Opponents are pushing back — Florida and Tennessee have banned RCV preemptively. The legal battles continue.
