SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate Elections Committee heard SF 1071, Senator Jim Carlson’s (DFL-Eagan) bill to authorize counties, all charter and statutory cities, and school districts to adopt ranked choice voting for odd- or even-year elections.
Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank multiple candidates for office on their ballot. Votes are counted in rounds, with the candidate receiving the fewest votes eliminated each round. This process continues until a candidate secures enough votes to win a majority of votes, ensuring broad support among voters.
“Ranked choice voting strengthens democracy, promotes local control, and allows voters to have a stronger voice in our elections,” said Senator Carlson. “Minnesota is known for our quality elections and high voter turnout, and passing ranked choice voting would give communities the option to implement ranked choice voting in local elections. Ranked choice voting is popular, people should be able to express their true preferences by ranking candidates they agree with instead of worrying about making a strategic vote. It is a logical next step to promote an inclusive democracy.”
Under the legislation, ranked choice voting could be adopted by local jurisdictions for local offices at general or special elections only by passing a ballot question. The Secretary of State’s office is required to conduct the rulemaking necessary to implement ranked choice voting before local governments can adopt it.
Communities across the state have expressed support of ranked choice voting, including the cities of Bemidji, Edina, Bloomington, Red Wing, Rochester, St. Peter, Melrose, Cook and Otter Tail Counties and the Luverne Area Community Foundation. The bill passed by a vote of 6-5 and was referred to the State and Local Government Committee.
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