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Bill

SSB 1128

A bill for an act prohibiting the use of ranked choice and instant runoff voting in elections in this state.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Prohibits ranked choice voting and instant runoff voting in all state and local elections, forcing non-RCV methods for every election.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 459.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1128

Summary of SSB 1128 (Renumbered as SF 459)

Overview

SSB 1128 proposes to prohibit the use of ranked choice voting (RCV) and instant runoff voting (IRV) in all elections within the state. If enacted, no election at any level—statewide, local government, or other offices—would be conducted using RCV or IRV. The bill was introduced on February 17, 2025, underwent a subcommittee process, and received a committee report approving the measure, after which it was renumbered as SF 459.

What the bill would do

  • Prohibit the use of ranked choice voting and instant runoff voting for all elections in the state, including statewide elections and elections for local government offices.
  • Require elections to be conducted using methods other than RCV/IRV (e.g., traditional plurality/majority approaches or other non-RCV methods not specified in the bill).

Key provisions and definitions

  • Local government is broadly defined to include:
    • An incorporated or unincorporated city or town
    • A county
    • A school or any other political subdivision of the state
  • Ranked choice voting and instant runoff voting are defined as:
    • A voting method where voters rank candidates in order of preference
    • Ballots are tabulated in rounds, transferring votes from elected or defeated candidates to a voter’s next-preferred candidate
    • Tabulation ends when a candidate receives a majority of votes or when the number of candidates elected equals the number of offices to be filled
  • The bill includes an explanatory section, noting the prohibition, but clarifies that the explanation is not an agreement or endorsement by members of the general assembly.

Scope and who would be affected

  • A broad statewide prohibition on conducting elections using RCV/IRV
  • Applies to all elections for:
    • Statewide offices
    • Local government offices (cities, towns, counties, schools, and other political subdivisions)
  • This would affect jurisdictions currently considering or implementing RCV/IRV methods.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Subcommittee meeting: February 19, 2025 (Senate process noted)
  • Subcommittee recommendation: February 20, 2025 (passage recommended)
  • Committee action: February 26, 2025, with the bill approved and renumbered as SF 459

Potential implications

  • Jurisdictions seeking to adopt RCV/IRV would need to revert to non-RCV/IRV methods for future elections.
  • Could influence ongoing reform debates about election methods, campaign strategy, and voter choice.
  • If enacted, SF 459 would provide a clear statutory framework prohibiting RCV/IRV across all state and local elections.

Note

  • The content provided reflects the bill’s text and stated intent as of the committee action and renumbering to SF 459. Always consult the latest legislative materials for any amendments or changes before final passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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