Dozens of cities and several states around the country use ranked choice voting (RCV) for special, primary, and general elections. Washington state may be next on the list.

HB 1156, sponsored by Rep. Kirsten Harris-Talley (D–Seattle) and Rep. Mia Gregerson (D–Kent), provides cities, counties, and special districts the option to conduct elections by RCV. RCV is a voting system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If a voter's first choice of candidate is eliminated from a race, their vote automatically counts towards their second choice.

Cities that choose to use RCV would need to do away with primaries altogether or hold primaries that narrow the number of candidates down to five. If the bill passes, cities could begin using the new system as early as 2024.

The bill provides for the creation of a state committee to establish rules for using RCV. It also sets forth a new process for cities to switch to an even-year general election cycle. Previously, cities were required to hold general elections during odd years.

HB 1156 received a public hearing in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on Monday, February 8.

Dates to remember

HB 1156 is scheduled for executive session in the House State Government & Tribal Relations on Thursday, February 11 at 10 am.