Bill > SB490

This bill prohibits ranked-choice voting (RCV) in all elections within West Virginia, including local, state, and federal contests. The bill first defines ranked-choice voting as an voting method where voters rank candidates in order of preference, with votes being transferred between candidates in multiple rounds until either a candidate receives a majority or all positions are filled. Specifically, the legislation declares that no election office in the state—whether at the state, county, or local level—may use ranked-choice voting or instant runoff voting for any election or candidate nomination. The bill broadly defines "local government" to include municipalities, counties, school districts, special taxing districts, and other regional or local governmental units. Furthermore, the legislation renders any existing or future local ordinances that conflict with this prohibition automatically void, effectively ensuring a uniform, traditional voting method across West Virginia. The bill aims to maintain the state's current electoral system by explicitly banning alternative voting methods like ranked-choice voting.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=490&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill