The 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. It 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, and results reporting for this voting system. Key definitions include "candidate," "candidate pairing," and "consistent majority winner," among others. The bill stipulates that the ranked-choice voting system will only apply if a town, city, or village votes to adopt it at an annual or special meeting, and 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 should be structured to allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference and how votes will be counted. If no candidate receives a majority of first-ranked preferences, the bill outlines a process for additional tabulation through paired comparisons to determine the winner. Furthermore, it mandates that results from elections using this system 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.