Ranked-Choice Voting Explained for NYC Elections

Understanding Ranked-Choice Voting

• 🗳️ Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is a system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, up to five.
• 💡 This is the second time NYC has used this system, with advocates suggesting it gives voters a greater voice and favors candidates with broader appeal.

How the Voting Process Works

• 📊 Votes are initially counted for the top choice. If a candidate secures over 50%, they win.
• 📉 If no candidate reaches a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the next preference on those ballots.
• ✅ This elimination and redistribution process continues until one candidate achieves a majority.

Ranking Your Choices

• 📌 Voters can rank as many or as few candidates as they wish, but cannot vote for the same candidate more than once.
• ✍️ Write-in candidates are still an option if preferred.
• 🥇 Your first choice should be your most passionate pick, followed by subsequent choices representing candidates you find acceptable or "okay."
• 🚫 It is advised never to rank someone you do not want to see in office.

Election Results Timeline

• 🗓️ The Board of Elections will release initial results of first-choice ballots on election night.
• ⏳ Subsequent reports detailing the ranked-choice elimination rounds will be released weekly until results are certified, as the process can take time.