Press Release
A Recap of Charlottesville's First Ranked Choice Election
Ballots scanners and voter surveys show that voters get it, they like it, and they want to do it again.
July 7, 2025
More Choices. More Voices.
Charlottesville used ranked choice voting in its City Council Primary on June 17, 2025. Learn how ranked choice helped deliver diverse representation for Charlottesville voters.
132K+
ranked choice ballots cast in Arlington last year
88%
of surveyed voters felt marking the ballot was easy
132K+
ranked choice ballots cast in Virginia last year
49
US cities and counties use ranked choice in local elections
Common Questions
When will Charlottesville use ranked choice voting?
+
Charlottesville voters will use ranked choice in the primary election for City Council candidates on June 17, 2025. Early voting starts Friday, May 2.
Which offices will be elected using ranked choice?
+
City Council only. Virginia law currently permits cities to use ranked choice voting in City Council races only. Legislation to expand ranked choice to all local offices has been introduced but not yet passed by the General Assembly.
Why is the City using ranked choice voting?
+
City Council authorized the ranked choice voting pilot in September 2024, with guidance from the City Registrar and Electoral Board. "Ranked choice voting has been successfully adopted in various localities and states across the nation and has been shown by research to support more diverse candidate pools and improved civility in campaigns and elections," the Registrar advised in a memo to Council. You can learn more about the benefits of ranked choice as well as common concerns.
Is the change permanent?
+
No. The June 2025 primary is a pilot program. City Council can assess whether to adopt ranked choice voting for future elections after the pilot.
