The state of ranked choice voting in Virginia
Virginia is diverse, with a real opportunity to increase representation in local and state governing bodies through ranked choice voting. Ranked choice voting is a commonsense change to the ballot that enables a better voting experience, better campaigns, and ultimately, better government. Instead of picking just one candidate, a voter has the option to rank their candidates in order of preference — first, second, third, and so on. This rewards candidates who build coalitions, not those who rely on a narrow base of voters — resulting in more representative government, less polarization, and less partisan gridlock.
Currently, ranked choice voting can be used in certain local elections in Virginia, including city council elections and county board of supervisors elections. This option (HB1103) was enacted in 2020 by the Virginia General Assembly.
In June 2023, the Democratic Party of Arlington County used ranked choice voting in its primary for the County Board of Supervisors, making it the first locality in Virginia to implement ranked choice voting. Through the use of ranked choice voting, 84% of voters cast a ballot for a winning candidate – up from 45% in the last comparable two-candidate primary. And in December 2023, the Arlington County Board unanimously voted to permanently adopt ranked choice voting for its primary elections.
In 2021, the Republican Party of Virginia used ranked choice voting during its unassembled convention to select the party’s candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Glenn Youngkin won the nomination through ranked choice voting, and went on to win the governorship of Virginia. Since then, the Republican Party of Virginia has used ranked choice voting in three congressional nominating contests, and in 2023 used ranked choice voting in a Congressional special election primary and a delegate nominating contest.
At UpVote Virginia, we’re working to build a grassroots movement and educate voters, while advancing key legislative priorities to defend and support ranked choice voting in Virginia. In 2024, the Virginia General Assembly is considering four ranked choice voting bills:
The optional use of ranked choice voting in local elections – SB 428 (Vanvalkenburg) and HB 841 (Hope)
The optional use of ranked choice voting in presidential primaries, starting in 2028 – SB 270 (Subramanyam)
The optional use of ranked choice voting in primaries – HB 658 (Cole)
This bill has been carried over to the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session.
Show your support for ranked choice voting in Virginia! Contact your representative and ask them to support ranked choice voting.
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