Ranked Choice Voting: More Choices Equals More Say for NYC Voters
Thanks to ranked choice voting, you don’t have to choose just one candidate. Instead, you can rank up to five in the order you prefer them. This gives you more say in who gets elected and helps ensure the winning candidate has broad support.
Here’s how it works:
When you vote, you’ll mark your first-choice candidate, then, your second-choice, third, and so on—up to five. You can rank as many or as few as you want. But the more candidates you rank, the more chances your vote has to help shape the final result.
After the election, all the first-choice votes are counted. If someone gets more than 50%, they win.
But if no candidate reaches that majority, the race goes into instant runoff rounds. The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and anyone who ranked them first has their vote count for their next choice. This continues until someone crosses the 50% threshold.
Why does it matter?
RCV gives voters more choices—and more power. You can support the candidate you believe in most, without worrying that your vote will be “wasted.” Even if your top pick doesn’t win, your second or third choice can still help decide the outcome.
It’s also changing the way candidates campaign. To win, they need to connect with more people—not just their core supporters. That means they’re more likely to focus on ideas, listen to voters, and find common ground. The result? A healthier, more inclusive election—and leaders who reflect more of the city.
In fact, NYC’s first-ever women-majority City Council was elected using ranked choice voting. RCV has also been shown to encourage more women and candidates of color to run for office—and win.
The bottom line:
For voters, ranked choice voting means more power.
For candidates, it means better campaigns based on real issues.
And for democracy, it’s a fairer way to elect our leaders.
This year’s primary election is on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Ranked choice voting is used for local offices like Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President, and City Council. Early voting runs from Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 22. Make a plan to vote early or on Election Day—and don’t forget, you can rank up to five candidates on your ballot!
To learn more about ranked-choice voting, the upcoming election, or anything else you’re curious about regarding NYC elections, visit nycvotes.org.
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