Ranked Choice Voting Act

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.