Legislative Priorities
RCV Maryland is active at the local, county, and state level. We are tracking bills in both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly. Take action today on these bills to show your support for expanding voter choice in our elections.
HB 215 / SB 383 - Ranked Choice Voting for Statewide Presidential Primaries
Allows the State Board of Elections to allow the use of ranked choice voting in a party’s presidential primary contest starting in 2028.
Position: Support
Reason: No one wants their vote to be “wasted” but for millions of voters across the United States this situation is possible in our current presidential elections process. Allowing ranked choice voting in presidential primaries gives voters the ability to express one or more preferences for candidates by ranking them. The Democratic and Republican parties are likely to see multiple candidates vying for the nomination and Marylanders should have a clear way to express their preferences.
HB 1094 - Montgomery County - Voting Methods MC 9-25
Give Montgomery County the ability to adopt ranked choice voting or approval voting for local county elections only.
Position: Support
Reason: Montgomery County has embraced innovation and led the way on democracy reforms across the state. Over the last 10 years, the County has passed term limits for elected office, implemented public financing, and expanded the number of seats on the County Council. Yet, the County has not been able to adjust its voting methods to adapt for these changes.
- Every Democratic Primary County Executive race has been won with less than a majority of the vote since 2014.
- In the 2018 Democratic Primary, one out of the five winners in district council races won with less than a majority of the vote.
- In the 2022 Democratic Primary, four out of the seven winners in district council races won with less than a majority of the vote.
This is not a commentary on the winners but on the way we vote. This legislation is supported by the Montgomery County Delegation and the Montgomery County Council.
HB 322 / SB 88 - Municipal Elections
Allows the State Board of Elections to enter into memoranda of understanding with municipalities to conduct their elections.
Position: Support
Reason: The Maryland Municipal League (MML) is strongly in favor of this legislation to ensure cities can use state election equipment for local elections. State voting equipment is RCV-capable and this legislation provides support for cities looking to adopt ranked choice voting in the near future.