Bill > H4098

This bill proposes to implement ranked choice voting (RCV) in Northampton city elections, fundamentally changing how local candidates are elected. The bill defines ranked choice voting as a method where voters rank candidates in order of preference instead of selecting just one candidate. For single-seat elections, candidates are eliminated in rounds until one candidate receives a majority, with voters' alternate rankings being used if their first-choice candidate is eliminated. For multi-seat elections, a more complex process is used where candidates are elected based on an "election threshold" calculated by dividing total votes by the number of seats plus one. The bill mandates that all city elections will be non-partisan, with ballots printed without party designations, and establishes detailed procedures for how votes will be counted and candidates eliminated or elected. The bill also requires a public ballot drawing to determine candidate order, divides the city into 7 wards, and specifies that city elections will occur on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in odd-numbered years. Before implementation, the proposed changes must be approved by a majority vote of Northampton voters in a special election, where voters will be asked to accept the ranked choice voting system.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4098