Substitute Bill No. 386 proposes the implementation of ranked-choice voting (RCV) for party caucuses, conventions, primaries, including presidential preference primaries, and certain municipal elections in Connecticut, effective January 1, 2028. The bill introduces new definitions such as "active candidate," "inactive ballot," and "winning candidate," and mandates that the Secretary of the State design the ballot type and layout to accommodate ranked choices. It also repeals and replaces Section 9-173 of the general statutes, clarifying that the candidate with the highest number of votes will be declared elected, and if no candidate achieves a plurality, the General Assembly will select the officer. This shift aims to modernize the electoral process and enhance voter choice.

Additionally, the bill outlines the allocation of delegates in presidential preference primaries, stipulating that candidates must receive at least fifteen percent of the votes to qualify for delegate allocation under RCV. It establishes a formula for delegate distribution based on total votes and mandates that adjustments be made to ensure equitable representation. The bill also modifies existing statutes related to primaries and absentee voting to align with the new RCV framework. Overall, Substitute Bill No. 386 seeks to streamline the electoral process, enhance transparency, and ensure a fair distribution of delegates in Connecticut elections.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-173, 9-444, 9-473, 9-476, 9-484
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-173, 9-444, 9-473, 9-476, 9-484
File No. 227: 9-173, 9-444, 9-473, 9-476, 9-484
APP Joint Favorable: 9-173, 9-444, 9-473, 9-476, 9-484