Bill > HB1448

This bill provides a comprehensive framework for implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) in local elections across Washington state. Specifically, the bill allows counties, cities, towns, school districts, fire districts, and port districts to conduct elections using ranked choice voting, with certain restrictions. Under this system, voters can rank candidates in order of preference, and the votes are tabulated through either an "instant runoff voting method" for single-winner contests or a "single transferable vote method" for multi-winner contests. For single-winner elections, a primary will be held to winnow candidates down to the top five, who will then be ranked by voters in the general election. The bill includes detailed provisions about how ballots are to be designed, counted, and interpreted, such as allowing voters to rank up to a certain number of candidates and specifying how votes are transferred or eliminated in successive rounds of counting. The legislation also mandates that county auditors create public education campaigns to help voters understand the new voting method, with special consideration for voters with limited English proficiency or disabilities. Additionally, the bill specifies that the costs of implementing ranked choice voting will be borne by the jurisdiction adopting it. The goal is to provide consistent guidelines and support for local governments interested in adopting this alternative voting method, which aims to increase voter representation and participation.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1448&Year=2025&Initiative=false