What is Rank Choice Voting

Ranked-choice voting (RCV) also known as instant runoff voting, allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference—1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, and so on—rather than selecting just one candidate.

How Does It Work?

  • When votes are first counted, only the first-choice selections are tallied.

  • If a candidate receives more than 50% of the first-choice votes, they win outright.

  • If no candidate reaches this majority, the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated.

  • Voters who selected the eliminated candidate as their first choice will have their votes reallocated to their next preferred candidate.

  • This process continues until one candidate has a majority.

Why Ranked-Choice Voting?
RCV ensures that the winning candidate has broad support, reduces negative campaigning, and eliminates the need for separate runoff elections. It encourages voters to honestly rank candidates without fear of "wasting" their vote.

Ranked-Choice Voting in Maine
Maine was the first state to use ranked-choice voting for federal elections, including U.S. Senate and House races, as well as state primary and general elections for certain offices. This system provides voters with greater flexibility and a more representative outcome.

For more information on ranked-choice voting in Maine, visit the Maine Secretary of State’s Ranked-Choice Voting page.