Municipal Elections

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) Guide

Ranked Choice Voting, also known as instant-runoff voting, is an electoral system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Unlike traditional “first-past-the-post” voting systems, where voters choose a single candidate, RCV allows for a more nuanced expression of preferences, promoting a fairer and more democratic representation of the electorate’s will.

In RCV, voters rank candidates by assigning them a numerical order based on their preferences, typically from first choice to last choice. If no candidate receives an absolute majority of first-choice votes, a series of runoffs occur, eliminating the least popular candidates and redistributing their votes to the remaining candidates according to voters’ subsequent choices. This process continues until a candidate achieves the majority of votes and is declared the winner.

The video below gives a more in depth explanation on how Ranked Choice Voting works:

Most nonvoters don’t plan on not voting: they just didn’t plan to vote. The more specific of a plan you make to vote, the more likely you are to vote. Your plan should include all those ‘W Questions’ you learned in school.

• When are you going to vote?
• Where are you going to vote?
• How are you going to get there?
• Who are you going to vote for?
• How are you going to research your vote?
• What do you need to bring with you?
• Do you need assistance voting due to a disability?
• Will you need to arrange childcare or a ride?

1. Verify your Voter Registration

Whether you need to update your address, change your name, or register to vote for the first time, your first stop is always going to be the Secretary of State’s Voter Portal. Even if you think everything is up-to-date, it never hurts to double check.

2. Decide when you want to vote

Your options are to…

• Vote by mail: Voting by mail gives you more time to vote in the comfort of your own home, no need to arrange transportation, child care, or time off work. Voting by mail is safe, secure, and private. You can request an absentee ballot and track the current status of your absentee vote online or by contacting the Doña Ana County Clerk’s office. All voted absentee ballots must be received by the County Clerk’s office by 7 pm on Election Day.
• Vote early: Voting early gives you more flexibility on when you vote, with weekend and evening hours available.
• Vote on election day: On Election Day polls are open 7 am to 7 pm. Questions can be directed to the County Clerk’s office at 575-647-7428.

Whichever option you choose, be specific in your plan by asking yourself when, where, and how you’re getting there.

3. Be a part of your community

Being a voter is part of being a community. How can you help your community participate?

• Let a neighbor know they can register to vote or request an absentee ballot online
• Offer someone a ride to the polls
• Watch your friends’ kids while they go and vote
• Text your friend to remind them to vote
• Take someone with you when you vote
• Share on social media that you voted