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Understand. Implement. Administer.

LESSON 2:

How RCV Works

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Learning Objectives

Lesson 2: How RCV Works

Lesson 1: Introduction to RCV

Lesson 3: Marking the RCV Ballot

Lesson 4: How RCV Ballots Are Counted

Lesson 5: Planning for RCV Implementation

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How RCV Works

To better understand ranked choice voting, let’s first summarize how jurisdictions use the “vote for one” voting method, then compare to how ranked choice voting works.

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UNDERSTAND

How Is RCV Different?

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How RCV Works

  • Primary election conducted.
  • No candidate receives a majority of votes cast. A run-off or 2nd primary election must be held.
  • Considerably fewer voters participate in run-offs or 2nd primaries.
  • Run-off or 2nd primary costs essentially same as primary election.

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UNDERSTAND

Voting Methods Comparison

  • Primary election conducted with RCV ballots.
  • Voters rank candidates in order of preference. Choices are used to conduct rounds of counting until a candidate reaches majority.
  • Voters make one trip to the polls.
  • Cost savings: eliminates need for 2nd primary.

VOTE FOR ONE

RANKED CHOICE VOTING

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How RCV Works

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UNDERSTAND

SUMMARY

This flow chart summarizes how ranked choice voting works:

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How RCV Works

This concludes Lesson 2: How RCV Works. Explore more about Lesson 2 in the companion workbook.

Please continue with Lesson 3: Marking the RCV Ballot by returning to the Educational Toolbox of the Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center and selecting the next lesson.

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UNDERSTAND

SUMMARY