Bill > S2911

This bill allows cities and towns to opt-in to using ranked-choice voting (RCV) for their municipal elections, a system where voters rank candidates in order of preference instead of selecting just one. RCV would apply to single-seat offices if more than two candidates are running, and to multi-seat offices if the number of candidates exceeds the number of seats available. The bill outlines a detailed process for tabulating votes in RCV elections, including how to handle "batch elimination" (simultaneously defeating multiple candidates who cannot mathematically win), "concluded ballots" (ballots that can no longer count for any remaining candidate), and how to determine "elected candidates" and "continuing candidates" (those still in contention). It also specifies how to calculate an "election threshold" for multi-seat races and how to transfer votes when a candidate is elected with more votes than needed. The bill also addresses how to handle ties, skipped rankings, overvotes (ranking more than one candidate at the same preference level), and how the "order of votes received" will be determined for reporting purposes. Cities and towns can adopt RCV through a ballot measure, ordinance, by-law, or charter amendment, and can revert to their previous voting method after at least four years. The bill also mandates voter education and outreach efforts, and requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to provide guidance and a model policy for these efforts.

Budget and Finance

Committee on Election Laws (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2911