Learn how to vote using ranked choice voting (RCV).
Ranked Choice Voting information session
Voters, candidates, media, and all other members of the public are welcome.
We are hosting a virtual information session to review the upcoming election timeline, the ranked choice voting tabulation process, and expectations for unofficial results reporting after the election.
We plan to leave time at the end to make sure we answer your questions, too.
The 2021 Municipal Election will use ranked choice voting
We use ranked choice voting (RCV) for Minneapolis offices only.
Mayor
City Council
Board of Estimate and Taxation
Park and Recreation Board
We do not use RCV in elections for the school board or for county, state, or federal offices.
What is RCV?
Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a voting method where you vote for candidates in order of your preference. This allows you to 'rank' your vote - first choice, second choice, and third choice.
This method can allow your vote to count toward another candidate if your favorite candidate loses. For example, if your first choice candidate doesn’t win, your vote is transferred to your second choice.
All first choice votes are counted. If no candidate has the required number of votes to win, candidates that have the fewest votes are eliminated. This process continues until a candidate has enough votes to win.
Election officials only use your second or third choice if your first choice has already been eliminated.
Use ranked choice voting to choose your favorite Minneapolis park. You can view the election in English, Hmong, Somali, or Spanish and see a visualization of the results.
Yes, but your vote will count once for that candidate. Ranking one candidate as your first, second and third choice is the same as leaving the second and third choices blank. You do not improve a candidate's chances of winning by voting for the candidate more than once.
Yes, your vote will count for your one choice. Ranking up to three different choices for each office is optional. Your vote stays with a candidate through all rounds of counting. If that candidate is defeated, your vote transfers to your next ranked candidate.
No. Ranking more than one candidate in a column is an overvote. We will skip that column and transfer the overvote to your next ranked choice, if any.
If you vote in your polling place on Election Day, two features will help you avoid an overvote:
The ballot marking device guides voters who use it through all three columns in each office. It will not allow you to select more than one candidate per column in any office.
The Ballot Counter will notify you if you choose more than one candidate in any column.
