ranked-choice voting

[ rangkt-chois voh-ting ]

noun

1. a voting system in which voters rank candidates as their first choice, second choice, etc.: If no candidate gets enough votes in the first round, the one in last place is eliminated and the remaining ones move to the next round, in which votes for the eliminated candidate are transferred to the voters' second choice. : RCV

Word History and Origins

Origin of ranked-choice voting¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

It took two days to determine a winner under San Francisco’s ranked-choice voting system, which allows voters to select multiple candidates by order of preference.

From Los Angeles Times

San Francisco’s ranked-choice voting system, which allows voters to select multiple candidates by order of preference, complicates the process of quickly identifying a winner.

From Los Angeles Times

This measure would allow ranked-choice voting in D.C. and open our primaries to independents.

From Slate

I support it because ranked-choice voting is much more rational than the current system and elevates consensus candidates with broad support.

From Slate

What is one down-ballot item you are voting on that you think is particularly important: Initiative 83 in D.C., which will bring ranked-choice voting to the District.

From Slate