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House passes bill prohibiting ranked‑choice voting in local elections after brief floor debate
Summary
House Bill 165, which prevents the use of ranked‑choice voting for certain local elections, passed after members debated the pros and cons of ranked‑choice systems. A pro‑RCV amendment was withdrawn; the bill passed 47–13 with 2 excused.
Lawmakers approved House Bill 165, a proposal that would prohibit ranked‑choice voting for specified local elections. The measure reached third reading after floor debate that included supporters urging a ban and opponents urging local control and experimentation with alternate voting systems.
Representative Chestyck, who introduced remarks on the topic, urged members not to enshrine a statewide ban on a voting method she described as unnecessary to prevent local experimentation. She said ranked‑choice voting could produce a consensus candidate, while other members argued it adds complexity and slows tabulation because ballots may require multiple counting rounds.
Questions on the floor addressed potential delays in reporting results; Representative Chestyck acknowledged ranked‑choice tabulation can be slower in some states because ballot counts may require multiple rounds. Opponents of ranked‑choice voting argued the system confuses voters and does not reflect voter intent. Supporters of the bill said the state should prohibit ranked‑choice systems for the covered elections.
Representative Chestyck withdrew an amendment during debate; the House ultimately passed House Bill 165 on third reading. The clerk announced the final tally as 47 ayes, 13 noes and 2 excused.
