H7981

Establishes a system of ranked choice voting whenever a municipality's charter amendment is approved by its voters.

Introduced·2/27/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island H7981 would allow municipalities to adopt ranked choice voting in local elections if approved by voters.

Rhode Island H7981 would establish a system of ranked choice voting for local elections if a municipality's charter amendment is approved by its voters. This method allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. The bill outlines the process for tabulating votes, including how ballots are counted in rounds and how ties are resolved. It also defines terms such as "active candidate," "overvote," and "undervote." The act would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
State Government & Elections Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DDDDDDD
7
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Mar 26

12:00 AM

House State Government & Elections Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Mar 20

House

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/26/2026)

Feb 27

House

Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections