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Democrats Weigh Ranked-Choice Voting for 2028 Presidential Primaries

Backers tout fewer wasted votes; adoption still needs multiple DNC approvals plus state-law changes.

Overview

  • DNC chair Ken Martin and other top officials have held private meetings with advocates pressing to expand ranked-choice voting in the 2028 primaries, according to Axios.
  • Rep. Jamie Raskin, pollster Celinda Lake and FairVote Action pitched the idea at a late-October DNC gathering in Washington, D.C.
  • Reactions inside the committee are mixed, with some members open to the concept and others urging deference to state-led approaches.
  • Any switch would require support from the rules and bylaws committee, a majority of the 450-member DNC, approval from state parties, and changes to many state election laws.
  • Supporters cite fewer wasted votes and more positive, coalition-driven campaigns, while critics warn of longer lines, complex counting and a potentially lengthier primary, noting experiences from places like New York City, Alaska and Maine.