Full Rights Update (6/5/26): Everything You Need to Know About Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)
We campaign for D.C. Statehood because we believe that everyone has the right to vote and have a say in their elected government. And that D.C. residents have the right to determine their own future. D.C. residents wanted to use ranked choice voting in our elections and so we organized a ballot petition after our elected Council failed to act and then voted for the petition overwhelmingly, with super-majority support in all D.C. wards.
Now we get to use this improved election method and want to make sure all D.C. voters know how.
An Overview of RCV
Ranked Choice Voting will be used for the first time in D.C. in 2026. Follow these steps to successfully complete your ballot:
Step 1: Vote for your favorite candidate 1st.
Step 2: Rank your backup choices (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th). Only rank candidates you support!
Step 3: Your vote stays with your 1st choice. If they lose (come in last place), then your vote moves to your next choice.
This process repeats until one candidate wins over 50% of the vote.
You are not required to rank every candidate, but try not to skip any rankings.
You can still vote for just one candidate. Do not vote for a candidate more than once.
Top Questions About RCV Answered (English + Español)
How to Rank Your Ballot (In Pictures)
Make sure your vote counts! Use this handy guide developed by Rank the District to ensure your ballot is filled out properly.
VOTE411.org Voter Guide
If you haven’t already made your voting plan, make sure to do so! The League of Women Voters DC Guide to the upcoming election is now available online. Visit www.Vote411.org/LWVDC and click on “Find What’s on Your Ballot.” Enter your address, select English or Spanish, then read about candidates and their answers to questions posed by League members. Vote411.org allows voters to rank up to five candidates in each race, then save their choices to make voting quick and easy. The League provides the Vote411.org Voter Guide as a public service. We never edit candidates’ responses, nor do we endorse any candidate or party. Questions? Email Vote411@LWVDC.org
How to Vote
You can vote from now until June 16th! If you haven’t already done so, be sure to head to Vote411.org to make your voting plan. There, you will find your vote center or ballot drop box location, candidate info, and more.
Ballot drop boxes: open now!
Early voting period: June 8 - 14
Election Day: June 16
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These videos are so helpful! Thanks