The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1536 proposes the implementation of ranked-choice voting for party caucuses, conventions, and primaries, including presidential preference primaries, effective January 1, 2026. The bill introduces new definitions related to ranked-choice voting and outlines the vote tabulation process, allowing for the determination of primary outcomes using this method. It also mandates that the Secretary of the State prescribe the ballot type and instructions for these elections. Additionally, the bill eliminates the requirement for a roll call and recording of votes for delegates, opting instead for a percentage of votes based on ranked-choice results. Provisions for handling ties and inactive ballots are also included, aiming to modernize the voting process and enhance voter representation.

Furthermore, the bill makes significant changes to the nomination process for various offices by repealing and replacing existing sections of the law. It clarifies that a plurality of votes will suffice for nominations unless a major party adopts ranked-choice voting for primaries after January 1, 2026. The bill also establishes guidelines for the certification of delegates and the conduct of presidential preference primaries under ranked-choice voting, with party chairpersons responsible for certifying delegate numbers. It introduces a late filing fee for moderators who fail to submit election returns on time and streamlines the language of the law by simplifying the term "Secretary of the State" to "secretary." Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and modernize the electoral process while ensuring that candidates must receive at least fifteen percent of the votes to be eligible for delegate allocation.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-444, 9-473, 9-476, 9-484