S.2951

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

Introduced·3/4/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island S2951 establishes ranked choice voting in local elections if approved by voters.

Rhode Island S2951 allows municipalities to adopt ranked choice voting for local elections if approved by voters through a charter amendment. This system lets voters rank candidates in order of preference. In single-winner elections, voters can rank five candidates, while in multi-winner elections, they can rank four more candidates than the number of seats. The bill outlines the tabulation process, including how votes are redistributed when candidates are eliminated or elected. It also details the treatment of undervotes, overvotes, and inactive ballots.

Included in complete analysis

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

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

DDDDDDDDDD
10
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Committee on Judiciary: Be held for further study

10 Yea

DDDDDDDDRD

0 Nay

Calendar

Apr 7

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Apr 7

Senate

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Apr 3

Senate

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/07/2026)

Mar 4

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary