The League of Women Voters of Vermont (LWVVT) is sponsoring an online educational program on S.32, the bill that will establish ranked choice voting (RCV) for presidential primary elections in Vermont. If passed, S.32 will have Vermont citizens use the ranked choice method of voting in the 2028 presidential primary elections.

On May 8 at 7 pm, Dr. Betty Keller, League of Women Voters, will provide an update on S.32, Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in Presidential Primaries that passed the Vermont Senate, and is now in the House. Betty will explain where in the process the bill is; what changes have been made; and what is expected next. Registration link at https://lwvofvt.org/events-calendar.

Currently in the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, S.32 has two amendments. Municipalities can choose to use RCV for some local elections as soon as 2024 Town Meeting Day which is helpful in preparing for 2028, especially in towns that hand-count ballots. A newly created summer study committee will develop policies for implementing RCV for the presidential primaries and assess the possibility of starting RCV in 2026 for some statewide elections.

The League of Women Voters of Vermont is an advocate for ranked choice voting, as a fairer and more equitable system where all votes matter. Instead of voting for a single candidate, voters rank their preferred candidates on the ballot – first, second, third, and so on, with the end-result producing more of a consensus winner. The League is conducting a robust public education program to familiarize voters with this voting system and reinforce voter confidence. Questions can be sent to league@lwvofvt.org.