Ranked choice voting dealt blow by voters, rejected in numerous states

Ranked choice voting faced setbacks in several states, with measures in Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho being rejected by voters. In Colorado, Proposition 131 aimed to establish an open primary system where voters could rank their choices, with the top four candidates advancing to the general election. However, the measure failed to garner support.

Data scientist Seth Werfel highlighted the challenges of convincing voters about the merits of ranked choice voting, noting that complexity can breed skepticism among voters. Similarly, in Idaho, Proposition 1, which sought to eliminate the party primary system, was rejected by nearly 70% of voters.

In Oregon, Proposition 117, another ranked choice voting measure, was also turned down by 58% of voters. Political science professor Chandler James emphasized that voters this year were hesitant to embrace significant changes in the electoral process but suggested that it may not be the end for ranked choice voting in the future.

A similar measure in Nevada faced rejection by 53% of voters. Despite passing by a narrow margin in 2022, Nevada laws require amendments to the state constitution to be approved in consecutive elections before taking effect.

Ranked choice voting is currently in use in Alaska, Maine, and New York City, with Hawaii employing it for special elections. However, in Alaska, there is a measure to repeal ranked choice voting that is likely to pass narrowly.

Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment banning ranked choice voting, with state Sen. Ben Brown emphasizing the importance of upholding the traditional one person, one vote system in elections.

Several states, including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Montana, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Florida, have existing bans on ranked choice voting.

Despite the recent setbacks, proponents of ranked choice voting remain hopeful for its future implementation in states across the country. The debate surrounding the effectiveness and viability of ranked choice voting continues to evolve, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing a mix of support and skepticism towards this electoral system.