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Ranked Choice Voting Act

USA119th CongressHR-6589| House 
| Updated: 12/10/2025
Jamie Raskin

Jamie Raskin

Democratic Representative

Maryland

Cosponsors (15)
Kelly Morrison (Democratic)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Angie Craig (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Donald S. Beyer (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democratic)Ayanna Pressley (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)

Committee on House Administration

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, titled the " Ranked Choice Voting Act ," requires all states to implement ranked choice voting (RCV) for federal elections, encompassing primary, special, and general elections for Senators and Representatives in Congress. The bill asserts Congress's constitutional authority to establish these election terms and conditions, aiming to standardize the voting process for federal offices across the nation. Under this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference, and ballots are tabulated in rounds. Candidates with the fewest votes are eliminated, and their votes are reallocated to the next-ranked active candidate until only two or fewer candidates remain, with the highest vote-getter winning. This process effectively eliminates the need for separate runoff elections, which the bill explicitly prohibits for federal contests. The bill specifies ballot design requirements, ensuring voters can rank at least five candidates or all available candidates, and includes necessary instructions. It also outlines special rules for nonpartisan blanket primary elections, allowing them only if at least three candidates advance to the general election, and clarifies that states are not required to hold traditional primary elections if the general election determines winners solely through RCV. To support this transition, the legislation authorizes federal payments to states by June 1, 2026, based on registered voter counts, with amounts ranging from $4 to $8 per capita. These funds are designated for various implementation costs, including voting equipment updates, software, ballot printing, election official training, and voter education. The act also establishes a robust civil enforcement framework, allowing the Attorney General and aggrieved individuals to bring actions in federal courts, with provisions for expedited review and attorney's fees for prevailing parties. The law will apply to federal elections held on or after January 1, 2030, and explicitly states it does not affect state or local elections, while also including a severability clause.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9578
Ranked Choice Voting Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4464
Ranked Choice Voting Act
Dec 10, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3425
Introduced in Senate
Dec 10, 2025
Introduced in House
Dec 10, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9578
    Ranked Choice Voting Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4464
    Ranked Choice Voting Act


  • December 10, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3425
    Introduced in Senate


  • December 10, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • December 10, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Government Operations and Politics

Related Bills

  • S 119-3425: Ranked Choice Voting Act

Ranked Choice Voting Act

USA119th CongressHR-6589| House 
| Updated: 12/10/2025
This legislation, titled the " Ranked Choice Voting Act ," requires all states to implement ranked choice voting (RCV) for federal elections, encompassing primary, special, and general elections for Senators and Representatives in Congress. The bill asserts Congress's constitutional authority to establish these election terms and conditions, aiming to standardize the voting process for federal offices across the nation. Under this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference, and ballots are tabulated in rounds. Candidates with the fewest votes are eliminated, and their votes are reallocated to the next-ranked active candidate until only two or fewer candidates remain, with the highest vote-getter winning. This process effectively eliminates the need for separate runoff elections, which the bill explicitly prohibits for federal contests. The bill specifies ballot design requirements, ensuring voters can rank at least five candidates or all available candidates, and includes necessary instructions. It also outlines special rules for nonpartisan blanket primary elections, allowing them only if at least three candidates advance to the general election, and clarifies that states are not required to hold traditional primary elections if the general election determines winners solely through RCV. To support this transition, the legislation authorizes federal payments to states by June 1, 2026, based on registered voter counts, with amounts ranging from $4 to $8 per capita. These funds are designated for various implementation costs, including voting equipment updates, software, ballot printing, election official training, and voter education. The act also establishes a robust civil enforcement framework, allowing the Attorney General and aggrieved individuals to bring actions in federal courts, with provisions for expedited review and attorney's fees for prevailing parties. The law will apply to federal elections held on or after January 1, 2030, and explicitly states it does not affect state or local elections, while also including a severability clause.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9578
Ranked Choice Voting Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4464
Ranked Choice Voting Act
Dec 10, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3425
Introduced in Senate
Dec 10, 2025
Introduced in House
Dec 10, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9578
    Ranked Choice Voting Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4464
    Ranked Choice Voting Act


  • December 10, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3425
    Introduced in Senate


  • December 10, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • December 10, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Jamie Raskin

Jamie Raskin

Democratic Representative

Maryland

Cosponsors (15)
Kelly Morrison (Democratic)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Angie Craig (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Donald S. Beyer (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democratic)Ayanna Pressley (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)

Committee on House Administration

Government Operations and Politics

Related Bills

  • S 119-3425: Ranked Choice Voting Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted