"Exploring the Impact of Ranked-Choice Voting on Voter Turnout and Political Ideologies"

Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a contentious election method expanding across the nation, with three states using it statewide and 13 states having localities that either use or are slated to begin using RCV in municipal elections. RCV comes in multiple forms, with the most popular being instant-runoff voting. While some critics raise concerns about ballot exhaustion and potential partisan impact, proponents argue that RCV may benefit more moderate candidates and enhance electoral appeal. The method is gaining traction in various states, with Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon considering adopting similar systems, and Utah funding a pilot program to test RCV locally.