Ranked Choice Voting Act
Summary
The Ranked Choice Voting Act mandates the use of ranked choice voting (RCV) in all elections for US Senators and Representatives, including primaries and special elections. It amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002, establishing specific guidelines for ballot design and tabulation processes. The bill also provides funding to states for implementation and includes provisions for civil enforcement.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would standardize election procedures for federal offices across all states, potentially altering election outcomes. It would eliminate runoff elections and introduce a system where voters rank candidates by preference. This could lead to increased voter participation and potentially elect candidates with broader appeal.
Potential Benefits
- May lead to the election of candidates with broader appeal, as they need to secure second and third-choice votes.
- Could reduce negative campaigning, as candidates need to appeal to voters who may support their opponents as a first choice.
- Might increase voter turnout, as voters feel their voices are better represented when they can rank multiple candidates.
- Could eliminate the need for costly and low-turnout runoff elections.
- Provides federal funding to states to assist with the implementation of ranked choice voting.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could complicate the voting process for some voters, leading to confusion and potentially invalidating ballots.
- May disproportionately affect voters who are less familiar with the political process or have limited education.
- Could lead to unintended consequences in election outcomes, as the tabulation process can be complex.
- Challenges to implementation, as states may have different existing election systems and laws.
- Potential for legal challenges based on constitutional grounds related to equal protection and voter disenfranchisement.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill asserts constitutional authority under Article I, Section 4, granting Congress power over the time, place, and manner of federal elections. However, the extent of this power is subject to interpretation, and the bill's mandate could be challenged as infringing on states' rights to administer their own elections as per the Tenth Amendment. The constitutionality of RCV itself has been debated, with some arguing it could violate the principle of 'one person, one vote' if not implemented fairly.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).