New Jersey lawmakers are considering a significant change to how elections are conducted in the state: ranked choice voting (RCV). This system, gaining attention across the nation, allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting only a single choice. Advocates argue that RCV ensures the winning candidate has broad support, even in elections crowded with multiple contenders, and reduces the impact of vote splitting by third-party candidates.
The mechanics of ranked choice voting are straightforward but transformative. In a single-winner race, such as a mayoral or gubernatorial election, voters rank candidates as first choice, second choice, third choice, and so on. If a candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, they win outright. If no candidate achieves a majority, the individual with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated. The votes of that candidate are then redistributed to the next choice indicated on each ballot. This elimination and redistribution process continues in successive rounds until a candidate secures a majority of remaining votes, ensuring that the winner truly reflects the preference of most voters.
On December 4, 2025, Assemblyman Joe Danielsen and Senator Andrew Zwicker introduced legislation to expand the use of ranked choice voting in New Jersey. The proposed bills would implement RCV for both primary and general elections at multiple levels of government, from local offices to statewide races. The sponsors emphasize that this reform would address longstanding concerns about elections being decided by mere pluralities and would encourage more inclusive campaigns where candidates seek broader support rather than focusing solely on narrow bases.
In addition to statewide proposals, other bills aim to give municipalities and school boards the option to adopt RCV through local voter referendums. Several New Jersey communities, including Hoboken, Jersey City, Maplewood, Princeton, and Red Bank, have already approved local measures to implement ranked choice voting once the legislature authorizes its use. This reflects a growing appetite among residents for election systems that prioritize majority support and fair representation.
Nationally, the push for ranked choice voting is gaining momentum. The federal Ranked Choice Voting Act, if enacted, would require its adoption for U.S. House and Senate elections nationwide starting in 2028. Currently, Maine and Alaska are the only states to use RCV for statewide and federal elections, while other states permit its use only for select local contests. Sixteen states have prohibited ranked choice voting entirely, highlighting the varied approaches and ongoing debates surrounding this electoral innovation.
As New Jersey evaluates these proposals, the conversation extends beyond the mechanics of voting to the broader goals of democratic engagement and fairness. Supporters argue that ranked choice voting could foster more civil campaigns, give voters greater influence over outcomes, and ensure that winners enjoy genuine majority backing. For readers following the evolving legislative landscape in the state, the Politics section provides ongoing coverage of reforms, debates, and local initiatives shaping New Jersey’s elections.
The introduction of ranked choice voting in New Jersey could mark a pivotal step toward a more representative and equitable electoral process, giving residents new tools to shape the future of their communities and the state at large.
