| Representative Kelly Morrison |
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the Voter Choice Act, which makes it easier for states and local governments to implement ranked choice voting.
Ranked choice voting has been proven to lower election costs, reduce polarization, and drive voter turnout across the country — and more and more cities, states, and counties are choosing ranked choice voting in their elections.
In Minnesota, five cities (Bloomington, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, and St. Paul) have already implemented ranked choice voting for their elections, and have seen historic voter turnout since switching to ranked choice voting.
Rep. Morrison’s Voter Choice Act will help incentivize more states and local governments to adopt ranked choice voting by providing $40 million in federal grants to governments who make the switch.
The Voter Choice Act is endorsed by more than 30 voting rights advocacy and nonprofit organizations, including Better Ballot NC, Better Ballot SC, Black Voters Matter Fund, Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues, Divided We Fall, FairVote Action, FairVote Illinois Action, FairVote Minnesota, Feminist Majority Foundation, Free Speech For People, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda, Indivisible Howard County, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC), National Organization For Women, National Voter Corps, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Jersey Appleseed Public Interest Law Center, People Power United, Rank The Vote, Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center, Represent Women, Secure Elections Network, Task Force for Democracy, Texas Civil Rights Project, Third Way, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, Vote Nevada, Voter Choice Massachusetts, and VoterChoice NJ.
Give Americans more choice at the ballot box
“Over the years, we’ve seen concrete evidence that ranked choice voting is one of the best tools we have to increase voter turnout and give Americans more choice at the ballot box. In Minnesota, we’ve seen the historic voter turnout that ranked choice voting has spurred, and it’s clear that more and more voters across the country want to implement ranked choice voting,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “Should they choose to, the Voter Choice Act simply makes it easier for state and local governments to switch to ranked choice voting. Especially as we face increased polarization in our country, ranked choice voting will help bridge divides and allow voters to focus on the issues that matter most to them — not partisan attacks.”
“Ranked choice voting empowers voters and ensures elected officials are accountable to all of their constituents,” said Meredith Sumpter, President and CEO of FairVote, a nonpartisan organization seeking better elections. “At a time when so many have lost faith in our democratic system, Americans across the nation are working to make their elections and government better with ranked choice voting. The Voter Choice Act will help more cities, counties, and states on this path — toward more voter choice, majority-supported outcomes, and more responsive government with ranked choice voting.”
“Ranked choice voting gives voters more choice, more voice, and more say in who represents them. It’s a proven, cost-effective alternative to runoff elections that ensures winners have broad support and elections reflect the will of the majority. Federal support for election modernization should include innovations like Ranked Choice Voting that strengthen participation, representation, and confidence in our democracy. We are grateful to Representative Kelly Morrison for her leadership in introducing the Voter Choice Act and championing reforms that help our democracy better serve voters,” said Jeanne Massey, Executive Director of FairVote MN.
Read the full text of the bill HERE.