Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes ranked choice voting for the 2028 presidential primary election.

Highlights:

• Authorizes ranked-choice voting for Vermont state residents for the 2028 presidential primary election and specifies that local cities, towns, and municipalities may adopt the same ordinances for local elections beginning in 2024 (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that the ballot for ranked-choice voting shall allow Vermont state residents to assign rankings to candidates that are equal to the number of printed candidate names and blank write-in lines (Sec. 1).

• Requires the secretary of state to make educational information regarding the ranked-choice voting system to voters regarding ranked-choice in any city or town that decides to implement the system (Sec. 3).

• Establishes a ranked-choice voting study committee made up of the following members, including (Sec. 3):

• 2 current members of the state House of Representatives not from the same political party, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

• 2 current members of the Senate not from the same political party appointed by the Committee on Committees;

• One designee appointed by the Secretary of State;

• 3 designee’s appointed by the Vermont Municipal Clerks’ and Treasurers’ Association from different-sized towns, cities, and villages;

• One designee appointed by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns;

• A member of an organziation focused on the conduct of elections who shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

• A member of an organization focused on the conduct of elections, who shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House.

• Authorizes the ranked-choice voting committee to study ranked-choice voting systems and have recommendations implemented for all primary and general elections for state and federal office beginning in 2026, including for the following issues (Sec. 3):

• Education of voters;

• Training of town clerks, presiding officers, and election staff;

• Election integrity, security, and transportation of ballots;

• Technological requirements in tabulators, hardware, and software;

• Methodology of ranked-choice voting systems;

• Canvassing of votes and roles of canvassing committees;

• Post-election processes and reporting; and

• Other items relating to the design and implementation of ranked-choice voting systems.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall become effective January 1, 2025 (Sec. 10).

Full Bill Text