Utah Legislature Looks Toward Ranked Choice Voting
Ranked choice voting history in Utah
Almost 20 years ago, Ranked Choice Voting, also known as Instant Runoff Voting was introduced to Utah's Republican and Democratic political parties.
At caucuses and conventions, delegates saw ranked choice voting in action. Benefits in the party process included a much shorter day because delegates and neighbors only had to vote once and winners garnered majorities of the vote.
Grassroots movement to expand ranked choice voting use
This led to a grassroots movement to use ranked choice voting in public elections in Utah. For multiple years, bills were introduced in the Utah legislature to use ranked choice voting more widely.
Ranked choice voting pilot
On March 13, 2018, Governor Gary Herbert signed Utah House Bill 35 ( HB0035) allowing municipalities to pilot ranked choice voting or instant runoff voting. The bill passed with an overwhelming majority of 22-0 in the Senate, 67-3 in House; 11-1 in interim committee, and 7-0 in Senate Government Operations.
House Bill 35 allows municipal elections to use ranked choice voting. The pilot runs from 2019 to 2026.
You can contact your city council to encourage them to pilot ranked choice voting in upcoming elections.
Moving forward
Case studies of ranked choice voting in nomination contests
Ranked choice voting is not new in Utah. The Utah Republican Party and County Parties have used ranked choice voting for nomination contests for over 20 years.
Check out the case studies below to see how ranked choice voting has improved the election process.