Two weeks after Election Day, Alaska voters finally know the fate of their election system. The choice before them was keep the nonpartisan Top 4 primary system with ranked choice voting in the general election or go back to partisan control over elections.
ranked choice voting
Ranked choice voting is making inroads in Virginia. First, it was adopted and used in Arlington County. Then, the Charlottesville City Council approved its use. Next door, Washington DC voters overwhelmingly said "Yes" to the reform in 2024.
This year, Portland, Oregon used ranked choice voting (RCV) for the first time after voters approved the reform in 2022. Portlanders used RCV to elect all city officials – including a new mayor, and twelve new councilmembers from four 3-member districts using the proportional form of RCV. The reform is already proving its ability to provide better representation and promote effective governance.
Voters across the US had a chance to change the political landscape in the country forever. In 2024, however, the two major parties were mostly successful at stopping reform to the electoral status quo.
The first victory for election reform Tuesday happened in Washington, DC, where voters passed Initiative 83 to open primaries to independent voters and implement ranked choice voting.
Colorado is used to being a trailblazer in election reform, from vote-by-mail to independent redistricting. However, state voters passed on an opportunity to give voters more choice in taxpayer-funded elections in 2024.
Nonpartisan election reform is on the ballot in 7 states, 6 of which could implement new voting models that open taxpayer-funded elections to all voters and candidates, regardless of party.
Two states currently use ranked choice voting at the state level (Maine and Alaska). This number could substantially change with RCV on the ballot in 4 states, including the red state Idaho, the purple state Colorado, and the blue state Oregon.
Not much attention is on Amendment 7 in Missouri as millions of dollars have gone into ads for and against other proposals that deal with abortion, online sports betting, and a new casino. However, the amendment will affect the voting rights of every Missouri citizen.
Alaska voters have a choice this election: Keep the nonpartisan election reform that opened taxpayer-funded election to all voters and candidates. Or, return to a system where party leaders have the most control over election outcomes.