Bill H.363 proposes to allow towns, cities, and villages in Vermont to adopt a ranked-choice voting system for elections of candidates running for single-seat offices. The bill introduces a new subchapter in the Vermont Statutes Annotated (17 V.S.A. chapter 55, subchapter 4) that outlines the definitions, application, ballot form, implementation, results reporting, and rulemaking associated with ranked-choice voting. Key definitions include "candidate," "candidate pairing," and "consistent majority winner," which establish the framework for how elections will be conducted under this system. The bill stipulates that the ranked-choice voting system will only apply if a local governing body votes to adopt it, and once adopted, it will remain in effect until a subsequent vote to discontinue its use.

The bill also details the mechanics of the ranked-choice voting process, including how ballots will be structured to allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference and how votes will be tabulated. It specifies that if no candidate receives a majority of first-ranked preferences, a series of paired comparisons will determine the winner. Additionally, results from elections using this system must be reported at polling places on election day, providing transparency in the voting process. The Secretary of State is tasked with adopting rules for the efficient administration of the ranked-choice voting system. The act is set to take effect upon passage.