During the 2025 legislative session, state lawmakers will consider implementing the election method. Connecticut’s Democrat Gov. Ned Lamont has tasked a working group with developing a legislative proposal to allow ranked-choice voting in caucuses, conventions, primaries, and certain municipal elections. Ranked-choice voting is not currently permitted by Connecticut law, which allows voters to rank candidates by order of preference rather than voting for just one.
The working group will provide a list of recommendations for implementing the method by the end of 2024 for state lawmakers to consider in the 2025 legislative session. Governor Lamont highlighted that ranked-choice voting has been successful in other states and believes that enacting this system in Connecticut will benefit voters. He emphasized the importance of reviewing how these systems operate, determining best practices, and collaboratively implementing ranked-choice voting in Connecticut for the benefit of municipalities and political parties.
To lead the group, the governor selected Democrat state Sen. Cathy Osten and Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang. The first meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 14. Mr. Hwang expressed that voters in the state are seeking an electoral process that allows for more viewpoints without feeling like voting for a third party is a waste. The goal is to increase electoral participation in a way that aligns with the will of the voters.
Maine and Alaska are the two states that have implemented ranked voting statewide. In 2016, Maine became the first state to adopt the method for state primaries and federal elections. Alaska voters rank candidates for state and federal general elections as of 2022, with an initiative to repeal the option. Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Minneapolis use the method, while Portland, Oregon, will join the list this fall.
In 2023, Connecticut lawmakers introduced a Senate bill to allow ranked-choice voting in municipal elections for single-winner offices and presidential primaries, but the bill stalled in committee. Proponents of ranked voting argue that it ensures majority rule and is a more democratic process.
However, critics of ranked-choice voting claim that it complicates elections, makes verification more challenging, and leaves voters uncertain about how their ballots will be counted. Ten states, including Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Tennessee, have completely banned ranked voting, with Missouri potentially joining their ranks pending voter approval this fall. In Alaska, efforts are underway to repeal ranked voting through a legal battle despite being approved by voters in 2020. The outcome of the case will not impact how votes are cast and counted in the current year.
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