What is ranked-choice voting?
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is an electoral system in which voters list candidates in order of preference rather than selecting a single choice. If no candidate receives a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest such votes is eliminated and those ballots are reallocated to the remaining candidates according to the voters’ next preferences. This process repeats until one candidate has a majority.
Why advocates and critics differ
Supporters of RCV say it produces winners with broader support, reduces the so-called "spoiler" effect of third-party candidates, and can encourage more civil campaigning as candidates seek to be acceptable second or third choices. Critics counter that the method is more complicated for voters, can lead to higher rates of ballot exhaustion (where a ballot has no remaining ranked candidates) and may produce confusing or delayed results during the tabulation and any recounts. Both supporters and opponents have frequently litigated changes to voting methods in court.
The Alaska context
Alaska’s use of ranked-choice voting has drawn attention because it could shape an important 2026 contest in the state. The race has an added complication: a legal dispute before US courts involving two candidates who share the name Dan Sullivan. That lawsuit highlights how procedural, administrative and legal questions can intersect with electoral rules and potentially influence who appears on the ballot and how votes are counted.
Broader US experience and implications
Several US jurisdictions have adopted RCV for various offices, from municipal elections to statewide contests, and experience has varied. Where it is used, parties and candidates often alter campaign strategies to appeal more broadly, emphasizing coalition-building and second-choice support. Election administrators must ensure voters understand the ballot and that counting systems handle multiple rounds correctly. Legal challenges and close races can test the resilience of RCV procedures and the public’s confidence in outcomes.
What voters should know
For voters in jurisdictions using RCV, the practical advice is simple: rank candidates honestly according to preference — there is no penalty for ranking all candidates — and be aware that initial first-choice totals may change as rounds of counting reallocate preferences. Observers say clear voter education and transparent counting practices are important to minimize confusion and sustain trust in election results.