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House passes bill to allow ranked-choice voting statewide; sends H.B. 349 to Senate
Summary
The House passed first substitute H.B. 349 on March 3, 2017, 59–12, sending the measure to the Senate; sponsor Representative Chavez Houck said ranked-choice voting will produce majority winners and recommended a multi-year implementation plan with reporting by the Lieutenant Governor.
Representative Michelle Chavez Houck (identified in transcript as Representative Chavez Houck) introduced first substitute H.B. 349 to authorize ranked-choice voting (RCV) at multiple levels of election — including primaries and general elections in certain contests — with split implementation dates and a role for the Lieutenant Governor to report on implementation planning.
"This bill provides a way for voters, regardless of party affiliation, to rank all candidates in an election," Representative Chavez Houck said in her presentation, arguing RCV gives voters broader expression and produces winners with majority support. She said the bill includes implementation timelines and would allow local election officials time to plan for machines and software purchases.
Supporters on the floor said RCV can reduce the need for runoffs, save local governments money by eliminating some primaries, and may increase turnout. Representative Dye said RCV allows voters to express preferences 'up and down the ballot' within a single election cycle. Representative Roberts and other supporters pointed to other jurisdictions using RCV and urged the House to adopt the policy.
After discussion and a sponsor summation, the House voted to pass first substitute H.B. 349 by a recorded tally of 59 yes and 12 no. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.
