SF3868 CHIEF AUTHOR KELLY MORRISON • HF3276 CHIEF AUTHOR CEDRICK FRAZIER
Ranked Choice Voting Local Options Legislation
Ranked choice voting has been a huge success in the Minnesota cities that use it, increasing turnout and decreasing costs.
Many communities in Minnesota would like to try ranked choice voting, but are unable to do so. Under current law, only charter cities with odd year elections, less than 1% of Minnesota local jurisdictions, have the ability to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV). The Local Voices, Local Choices Act (SF3868/HF3276) allows all cities, counties, and school districts, which all hold nonpartisan elections, to adopt RCV if they wish.
The Local Voices, Local Choices Act narrowly missed passage in the House in 2024 by only two votes. That’s why we’re endorsing pro-RCV state house candidates across the state who can make the RCV local option a reality next session!
Help us get the RCV local options bill across the finish line in 2025 by contacting your state legislators and urging them to support the bill!
The Local Voices, Local Choices Act:
FREES MORE MINNESOTA LOCAL JURISDICTIONS TO ADOPT RCV
The Local Voices, Local Choices Act allows all cities, counties, and school districts to adopt RCV if they wish. Fewer than 1% of Minnesota cities, counties and school districts are currently able to adopt ranked choice voting.
PROMOTES LOCAL CONTROL
The Local Voices, Local Choices Act imposes no mandates. It would give power to cities, counties, and school districts to decide if ranked choice voting works best for their communities.
SETS RULES FOR ADOPTION OF RCV
The Local Voices, Local Choices Act allows ranked choice voting to be adopted by ordinance, resolution, referendum, or amending a charter.
FREES MORE MINNESOTA LOCAL JURISDICTIONS TO ADOPT RCV
The Local Voices, Local Choices Act:
1. Sets consistent standards for implementing RCV.
2. Gives the Secretary of State rulemaking authority to set additional standards as needed.
3. Provides for state certification of RCV voting equipment and tabulation systems.
✓ It’s easy and popular: Every poll shows voters find RCV easy to use and want to keep it.
✓ More choices: RCV gives voters more choice and more voice.
✓ Diverse and inclusive: RCV is accelerating representation of women and communities of color.
✓ Higher turnout: In every RCV city in Minnesota, turnout is up.
✓ Efficient and cost-effective: Eliminates the need for a costly, low-turnout local primary.
RCV Local Option Supporters
Bill Status
4/17/24 — Local Voices, Local Choices passes from House Committee on Elections Finance and Policy as part of HF 4411, the House Elections Finance Omnibus
4/16/24 — Local Voices, Local Choices moves on from Senate Committee on State and Local Government and Veterans
3/13/24 — Local Voices, Local Choices passes from House Committee on Elections Finance and Policy
2/22/24 — Local Voices, Local Choices passes from Senate Committee on Elections