Supporters of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) are grappling with significant setbacks as the reform movement faces mounting opposition across the United States. Once heralded as “the fastest-growing voting reform in the nation,” RCV has seen its fortunes decline sharply over recent years. Following a series of high-profile defeats, advocates are reevaluating their strategies in a landscape increasingly resistant to the reform.
The challenges began to crystallize during the 2024 election cycle when all six statewide ballot measures aimed at implementing RCV failed in states including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. This series of losses is particularly alarming for proponents, especially given that many of these states lean Democratic. In total, 17 states have now banned RCV, with legislative efforts in Ohio and Michigan aiming to join this list.
Despite these setbacks, RCV advocates managed to secure a narrow victory in Alaska, where they defeated a repeal of existing RCV measures by a mere 743 votes. Nevertheless, this win is overshadowed by ongoing challenges. A new campaign to repeal RCV is underway, necessitating further financial support from donors to defend the system against mounting opposition.
In Washington, D.C., voters approved RCV as part of an open primary system, although the rollout has encountered complications. Local officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, have expressed concerns over the implementation process, which has faced delays and funding issues.
Michigan Campaign Encounters Major Hurdles
Looking ahead, RCV advocates set their sights on Michigan, launching a campaign last year to place a state constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot. However, the Rank MI Vote campaign recently suspended its efforts after struggling to gather sufficient signatures, falling approximately 200,000 short of the required total. Campaign Director Joe Spaulding acknowledged that they had only a 40% chance of qualifying for the ballot, a prediction that proved overly optimistic.
Opposition from the Michigan Association of County Clerks played a significant role in derailing the campaign. The clerks unanimously condemned the RCV proposal, citing concerns about increased complexity, potential disenfranchisement, and a loss of voter trust. They emphasized that Michigan voters already contend with some of the longest and most complex ballots in the nation, arguing that RCV would exacerbate these issues.
Future of Ranked Choice Voting Remains Uncertain
Despite the recent string of defeats, the RCV movement is not entirely extinguished. Financial backing from left-leaning donors and organizations such as FairVote continues to sustain the reform’s visibility. Nevertheless, the perception of RCV as a means to enhance voter choice and improve election outcomes has shifted. Increasingly, it is viewed as a poorly designed approach that has struggled in practice.
As the 2026 elections approach, the landscape for RCV remains precarious. Advocates will need to navigate significant challenges and address the concerns raised by election officials and voters alike. The future of Ranked Choice Voting will depend on their ability to adapt and respond to the realities of the political environment.
