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HB 2431

ELEC CD-RANKED-CHOICE VOTING

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Chung and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would elect certain statewide and legislative offices using ranked-choice voting with multi-round tabulation and exhausted-ballot rules.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Sharon Chung
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Bill Summary · HB 2431

HB 2431 — ELEC CD — Ranked‑Choice Voting (Summary)

Status: Introduced February 5, 2025. Title listed as "ELEC CD‑RANKED‑CHOICE VOTING." Companion: SB 1091. Sponsors (as provided): Rep. Nancy Gutierrez (primary), Rep. Nabeela Syed (primary), Quantá Crews (cosponsor), Betty J. Villegas (cosponsor), Sharon Chung (cosponsor).

Important note: The document provided appears to include text from two different bills (an Illinois Election Code bill adopting ranked‑choice voting and unrelated Arizona legislation about weapons and school district code). This summary focuses on the ranked‑choice voting provisions (Illinois HB2431 text). Verify the intended jurisdiction before taking action.

Purpose / Intent

To amend the state Election Code to elect certain statewide and legislative offices by ranked‑choice voting (RCV) rather than simple plurality, and to add statutory provisions governing RCV ballots, marking rules, and the multi‑round tabulation process.

Key provisions

  • Offices to use ranked‑choice voting:
    • Members of the General Assembly (state legislators)
    • Governor and Lieutenant Governor
    • Attorney General
    • Secretary of State
    • Comptroller
    • Treasurer
  • Statutory amendments and additions:
    • Amends multiple sections of the Election Code (10 ILCS 5/1‑3, 16‑3, 17‑11, 17‑18, 18‑5, 18‑9) and adds new sections 16‑4.2 and 17‑18.2 to implement RCV.
    • Requires production of ranked‑choice ballots and authorizes voters to rank candidates in order of preference.
    • Provides rules for interpreting voter markings on ranked ballots.
  • Tabulation (vote counting) rules:
    • Counting proceeds in rounds.
    • In each round, count votes for each continuing candidate. Each continuing ballot counts as one vote for its highest‑ranked continuing candidate.
    • Ballots that have no remaining ranked continuing candidate are “exhausted” and are not counted for any continuing candidate.
    • If only two candidates remain, the candidate with the higher vote total wins.
    • If more than two remain, the last‑place continuing candidate is eliminated and another round is held; rounds repeat until a winner is determined.
  • Conforming and technical changes to other election provisions to accommodate RCV.

Who or what would be affected

  • Voters for the listed offices (they would rank candidates instead of selecting one).
  • Candidates running for the specified offices (campaign and ballot strategies change).
  • Election authorities and officials (county clerks/boards of election commissioners) — must print new ballot formats, update rules, and manage RCV tabulation.
  • Voting systems and tabulation software — may require upgrades or certification for RCV counting and round‑by‑round elimination.
  • Voter education and outreach programs — to explain ranking, exhausted ballots, and how winners are determined.

Procedural and implementation considerations

  • Implementation will likely require:
    • Rulemaking or administrative guidance for ballot design and interpretation standards.
    • Procurement or certification of tabulation systems capable of multi‑round counting and reporting.
    • Training for election officials and poll workers.
    • Public education campaigns to ensure correct ballot marking and to explain exhausted ballots.
  • Legal and logistical transition issues: timing of enactment relative to filing deadlines, primaries, and general elections; whether RCV applies immediately or for future election cycles.
  • The bill text indicates added statutory sections (16‑4.2, 17‑18.2) to specifically govern RCV mechanics; agencies will need to draft implementing procedures.

Legislative actions (as provided)

  • Introduced / First readings: Feb 3–5, 2025
  • Referred to Rules Committee; Referred to Transportation; Assigned to Ethics & Elections
  • Public hearing held: 2025‑05‑01 (left pending in committee)
  • Co‑sponsor added: Rep. Sharon Chung (2025‑04‑03) Note: The action history provided appears to mix entries from different jurisdictions; confirm which chamber/state the actions refer to.

Recommendation / Next steps

  • Confirm the correct jurisdiction (state) for this HB 2431 (the provided materials combine Illinois RCV language with unrelated Arizona statutes).
  • If pursuing analysis or advocacy, review the full, final text for precise language (new sections 16‑4.2 and 17‑18.2) and any fiscal notes about costs for ballot production, software upgrades, and voter education.
  • Monitor companion bill SB 1091 and committee activity for amendments or implementation timelines.

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

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