In many circumstances, state laws must be written or amended to implement ranked choice voting. The links below include implemented statutes and model statutes developed by the organization FairVote, a non-profit advocating for the adoption of ranked choice voting. These links are broken down by how strictly the statutes available define ranked choice voting and how to count/adjudicate ranked choice ballots. 

Ranked choice voting elections start with an authorizing law. Below, we have links to implemented laws and also model laws developed by the organization FairVote, a non-profit advocating for the adoption of ranked choice voting. These links are broken down by how strictly the statutes available define ranked choice voting and how to count/adjudicate ranked choice ballots. Also, we are creating a "what to include in RCV statutes guide" for lawmakers, so RCV elections across the country can be uniform and follow best practices for RCV.

The next version of the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) is anticipated to include model specifications for RCV voting methods. Future statutory authorizations may elect to reference these guidelines in order to ensure precise and consistent definitions and vote tabulation procedures.

Define "RCV," Ballot Adjudication Rules:

These laws define what RCV is in the jurisdiction (if electing a single winner or multiple winners), how to count RCV elections, and how to adjudicate individual ballots. They cover as many issues as is reasonable in an RCV statute.

Minneapolis, MN (single- and multi-winner RCV)

FairVote Model Statute (single- and multi-winner RCV)

FairVote Model Statute (single-winner RCV)

Maine Question 5 (single-winner RCV)

Define "RCV" broadly: no detailed rules

This statute is a prime example of a more basic RCV law: it defines only what RCV is in Basalt, CO, (a single-winner RCV election for Mayor) and defines how that RCV election should be counted. It does not define how to adjudicate individual ballots.

Basalt, CO (single-winner RCV) 

Permits RCV:

This is an example of the most basic RCV law possible: it says only that RCV is permitted, and goes no further.

Santa Clara County, CA (single-winner RCV)

FairVote Model Charter Amendment (single- and/or multi-winner RCV)