This bill seeks to improve representation and voter engagement in local elections in Washington State by establishing a framework for ranked choice voting (RCV). It allows various jurisdictions, including counties, cities, and school districts, to implement RCV with specific guidelines for ballot design, vote counting, and tie resolution. Key provisions include the ability for jurisdictions to adopt RCV for all or select offices, the requirement for a primary election to narrow candidates to five for single-winner contests, and the stipulation that RCV cannot be used when only two candidates are competing. The bill also mandates the formation of a work group to assist the Secretary of State in creating rules and educational materials for a smooth transition to RCV.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to accommodate RCV, such as allowing the top five candidates to appear on the general election ballot instead of just the top two. It clarifies that if a jurisdiction already employs RCV, the new provisions will not apply. The legislation outlines the financial responsibilities for implementing RCV, stating that costs incurred by counties must be shared among the jurisdictions utilizing this voting method. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the electoral process by providing voters with more choices and fostering a more representative outcome in local elections.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.60.221, 29A.36.131, 29A.52.220, 36.32.040, 29A.92.040, 35A.12.040, 28A.343.320, 29A.04.410, 29A.12.080, 29A.36.121, 29A.04.127