The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 3-1-52, which explicitly prohibits the use of ranked-choice voting in elections throughout the state. Ranked-choice voting is defined as a voting method where voters rank candidates by preference, and votes are tabulated in rounds until a candidate achieves a majority or the required number of candidates is elected. The bill clarifies that this voting method, along with cumulative and instant-runoff voting, cannot be utilized by any state, county, or local elections office for any elections or nominations for local, statewide, or federal offices.

Additionally, the bill states that any existing or future ordinances from counties, municipalities, or other local government entities that conflict with this prohibition will be rendered void. This legislation aims to standardize the voting process in West Virginia by eliminating ranked-choice voting as an option for elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-1-52
Enrolled Version: 3-1-52