Starting in November 2024, Portland voters will have the opportunity to rank candidates in order of preference – one of three major changes underway for the city’s election system and form of government.
Portland joins a growing number of communities abandoning the traditional “plurality” voting system, in which voters choose one candidate and the person with the most votes wins.
Ranked-choice voting is now used in more than 50 U.S. cities and counties, including New York City and Portland, Maine. Voter participation has increased in communities that made the switch, including Benton County in Oregon. Multnomah County and Portland voters both decided in November 2022 to transition to ranked-choice voting.
How Ranked-Choice Voting Works
Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Votes will be tallied in rounds until there is a winner. Ranked-choice voting eliminates the need for a primary election. Going forward, Portland’s leaders will be chosen during a general election in November of even-numbered years.
Watch these educational videos to learn more.
How Instant Runoff Voting works. This type of voting will be used to elect our mayor and Auditor.
How Single Transferrable Voting works. This type of voting will be used to elect our districted city councilors.
Practice Using Ranked Choice Voting
The City of Portland will soon be providing more educational opportunities to learn about and practice using Ranked Choice Voting before the November 2024 election. In the meantime, other cities have provided interesting ways to learn about and practice using grid-style ballots. Click the links below to learn what other cities are doing and practice using a Ranked Choice Voting ballot system.
San Francisco- Practice Ballot
The Transition Process
During early 2023, the City of Portland will begin working with election offices in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties to make the transition to ranked-choice voting. The vast majority of Portland voters live in Multnomah County, while a smaller number live in Clackamas and Washington counties.
The city will partner with voter education groups and community organizations to prepare voters for the change.
Timeline
Portland will host its first election using ranked-choice voting in November 2024.
Get Involved
The City of Portland is currently considering code changes needed to implement Ranked Choice Voting. Please watch this informational presentation and complete this survey. Please provide your feedback before March 21st.
The City of Portland is committed to transparency and accountability. Stay tuned for more information about the transition.