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What is ranked choice voting?
In a ranked choice voting system, voters have the option to rank candidates in order of preference instead of selecting only one candidate.
To find out who wins, votes are counted in a series of rounds. In each round, one of two things happens: either a winning candidate is identified and elected, or the candidate in last place is eliminated and voters who ranked that candidate as their first choice will have their votes counted for their next choice.
Ranked choice voting results in one general election, eliminating primary and special elections.
Watch a video that explains ranked-choice voting
Changes coming to the Nov. 5, 2024 Election
On Nov. 5, 2024, the City of Portland’s mayor and auditor will be elected in citywide contests using single-winner ranked-choice voting, while 12 Council members (three per district) will be elected using multi-winner ranked-choice voting.
However, the voting experience won't change much. Portlanders will have a choice for three contests: mayor, auditor, and city councilors from each district. The ballot will show each eligible office with corresponding candidates next to it and space for write-in options.
Portland voters will then make up to six selections for each of the three contests, ranking their choices in order of preference.
View sample ballots and learn more about filling out your ranked-choice voting ballot