What is ranked-choice voting?
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is a voting method that allows you to rank multiple candidates for the same office in order of preference. Simply put, you have the chance to say, "If my first-choice candidate is not elected, this is my second choice (or third choice) for who I would like to see elected." This voting method combines the primary and general election into one event in November.
In St. Louis Park, which offices will be elected using ranked-choice voting?
In St. Louis Park, ranked-choice voting may only be used to elect the offices of mayor and council member. Under current state law, ranked-choice voting cannot be used to elect any federal, state, county or school district offices.
How many candidates can I rank?
You are allowed to rank up to three candidates for each city office on the ballot.
How do I vote in a ranked-choice race?
You may rank up to three different candidates for each city office (mayor and council member) on the ballot. Read the instructions at the top of your ballot carefully. Select one candidate in each column, always voting left to right. Vote for your first choice by filling in the oval next to the candidate's name in the first-choice column. If you wish to rank second and/or third choices, you will select them in the corresponding second and third-choice columns on the ballot.
Is the voting process different in a ranked-choice election?
In many ways, voting will be the same as other elections. You will use a paper ballot, fill in ovals next to your choices, and place the ballot into a machine to be counted. The main differences in a ranked-choice election are the elimination of the primary election in August and a ballot design that allows you to rank up to three choices for each city office (mayor and at-large council members).
Am I required to rank choices on my ballot?
No. Ranking is not required. How you choose to mark your ballot is up to you.
How is a ranked-choice race counted?
After the polls have closed on election night, all first-choice votes are reported to the public, similar to what happens in all other elections. Ranked-choice races need to be tabulated the next day to determine a winner. Results are posted to the city's website the day after the election, after the tabulation process is complete.
In the first round of tabulation, all first-choice votes are counted. If a candidate has received 50%+1 of the total votes cast for that office, that candidate is declared the winner. If no winner can be declared after the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Votes for the candidate that was eliminated are transferred to the next highest choice on those ballots. All votes for remaining candidates are counted again. This process is repeated until:
- A candidate receives 50% plus one of the total votes cast for that office.
OR
- Only two candidates remain. The candidate with the most votes wins.
How is a winner declared in a ranked-choice race?
A candidate is declared the winner of a race if they reach the established threshold of 50% + 1 of the total votes cast for the office OR if only two candidates remain, the candidate receiving the most votes is declared the winner.
Does my vote count if I only rank one choice?
Yes. You are not required to rank your choices and can choose to vote for only one candidate. You are allowed to rank up to three choices per office.
Does my vote count if I rank the same candidate for each choice?
Yes. However, votes will count one time for that candidate. Ranking the same candidate for all three choices will not increase their chance of winning. It's generally considered the same as leaving two of the choices blank.
Does my vote count if I skip a ranking or leave one of the choices blank?
Yes. All valid votes cast on a ballot will be counted. Skipping a ranking or choosing not to vote for a particular office on the ballot is called an undervote. You are allowed to rank up to three choices for each city office (mayor and council member) and may vote for each office that appears on your ballot. Similar to what happens now, you can choose to vote for as many or as few of the offices on the ballot as you choose.
Does my vote count if I rank multiple candidates for my first choice?
No. This is an overvote, and the first-choice vote will not be counted. If this happens, you can discard your ballot and receive a new ballot to correct the error.
If I rank three choices, do three votes get counted?
No. Each voter only gets one vote counted. If a winner can be declared after all first-choice votes are counted, the second and third choice votes are never counted. If a candidate is eliminated, all votes for that candidate are transferred to the next highest candidate chosen on those ballots.
What if there are fewer than three candidates running for an office?
In races with fewer than three candidates, ranking is still allowed – including write-in options.
Each column of your ballot will show the candidates who filed for office, as well as an option to write in a candidate. You may rank these options as you would with a race with more than two filed candidates. The counting process will be the same as other ranked-choice race.
Is there a benefit to ranking choices?
You have the option to rank your choices for each city office (mayor and council member). You are not required to rank. Others who have used the system believe that having the option to rank their choices allows them more opportunity to have their voice heard. Voters who choose to rank essentially have the chance to say, "If my first choice is not elected, this is the next candidate I would like to see elected."
Will the ballot counter tell me if I make an error on my ballot?
The ballot counter will alert you if you overvote in a race or submit a completely blank ballot. You may choose to cast your ballot as marked or to spoil your ballot and receive a new one to fix any mistakes. The ballot counter will not alert you if you skip rankings or vote for the same candidate at multiple rankings because they technically are not errors.
What is done to ensure my votes are secure and accurately counted?
As in all other elections, city staff work with county and state officials to ensure accurate and secure counting procedures. The city is subject to all election laws related to equipment testing, tabulation and post-election review. The city's rules governing the administration of elections have built-in measures to verify that the ranked-choice system correctly counts each vote. The city will also produce results with detailed round-by-round election abstracts, which will be available to the public and reviewed by the city council before the canvassing of election results. Additionally, accuracy testing of city voting equipment and the tabulation process are open to the public.
Why did the city council approve ranked-choice voting?
The St. Louis Park City Council voted unanimously to approve the use of ranked-choice voting for elections for city offices in an effort to continue to advance racial equity and inclusion, promote civic engagement and provide an opportunity for all voices in St. Louis Park to be heard.