SF4085

Purpose

This bill would prohibit ranked-choice voting (RCV) and any voting method similar to ranked-choice voting for all elections in Minnesota. It aims to stop the use of RCV at both federal/state levels and within local governments across the state.

Main provisions

• Subd.1 Federal and state offices: Ranked-choice voting or any method similar to ranked-choice voting must not be used for voting in any federal or state election.
• Subd.2 Local offices:
  • (a) A political subdivision must not adopt or enforce any rule, resolution, or ordinance that establishes ranked-choice voting or any method similar to ranked-choice voting for local offices.
  • (b) For purposes of this subdivision, “political subdivision” includes all counties, cities, townships, and school districts in Minnesota, regardless of whether they are governed by statute or by a home rule charter.
• Subd.3 Definition: Ranked-choice voting means any election method in which a voter ranks or assigns a numerical value to candidates for an office in order of the voter’s preference.

Scope and definitions

• The prohibition applies to both federal/state elections and local elections across all political subdivisions (counties, cities, townships, and school districts).
• The key term defined is “ranked-choice voting,” specifically the process of ranking candidates or assigning numerical values to show preference.

Significance and changes to existing law

• Adds a new prohibition to Minnesota Statutes, specifically creating Section 200.025 (Ranked-choice voting prohibition) in Chapter 200.
• Establishes a statewide ban on ranking-based voting methods, preventing local governments from adopting or enforcing RCV or similar systems.
• Clarifies the breadth of what counts as a political subdivision, ensuring all local entities (counties, cities, townships, and school districts) are covered, even if governed by different statutory structures or home rule charters.

Relevant terms - ranked-choice voting - RCV - voting method similar to ranked-choice voting - federal offices - state offices - local offices - political subdivision - counties - cities - townships - school districts - Minnesota Statutes - Chapter 200 - Section 200.025 - prohibition - ranking or numerical value (voter preference)