Nov 5, 2024 - Election

D.C. approves Initiative 83 for ranked-choice voting

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Supporters at a rally to vote yes to Initiative 83. — Lisa Rice led the effort to pass Initiative 83. Photo: Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images

D.C. has approved Initiative 83, according to the AP, so expect two big changes to local elections: ranked-choice voting and allowing independents to vote in primaries.

The big picture: Supporters of ranked-choice voting say it will press candidates to build a broader coalition of supporters and that open primaries will allow more people to have a say in key races.

Initiative 83 faced fierce opposition from the city's Democratic establishment.

Driving the news: As of 10:30pm, 72% of voters had voted in favor of the initiative.

Zoom in: Ranked-choice voting will mean voters deciding on a race will be allowed to rank up to five candidates.

That ensures one candidate gains at least 50% of electoral support.

Opening up primaries means voters who aren't registered members of a political party can cast ballots in the often-decisive Democratic primary.

There are about 75,000 registered "no party" voters in D.C.

Catch up quick: Supporters said the process will eliminate vote splitting.

Opponents of ranked-choice voting — in effect in New York City and Arlington, Virginia — often have argued that introducing a new voting method will confuse the electorate.
Critics include Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson. The D.C. Democratic Party had filed a lawsuit trying to prevent the initiative from making the ballot.

What's next: It may take a few years for the changes to take effect.

The D.C. Council could theoretically stymie the initiative if it decides to overturn it.

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D.C. approves Initiative 83 for ranked-choice voting

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