Establishes a ranked choice voting method for nonpartisan primary elections

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Carroll and 5 co-sponsors

Establish ranked-choice voting for nonpartisan primaries to ensure a majority winner through sequential ballot rounds.

REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW

Overview

Bill A 90 proposes to establish ranked-choice voting (RCV) for nonpartisan primary elections within the state. Introduced January 8, 2025, and referred to the Assembly Committee on Election Law, the measure aims to change how candidates advance in nonpartisan races by allowing voters to rank candidates by preference.

Primary sponsor: Robert C. Carroll (primary)
Cosponsors: Sarahana Shrestha, Micah Lasher, Albert A. Stirpe, Yudelka Tapia, and Harvey Epstein

Related bills from earlier sessions include A 8512 and A 479.

What the bill would do

Establish ranked-choice voting as the method for nonpartisan primary elections. In RCV, voters rank candidates in order of preference.

Define the counting process under RCV (e.g., how ballots are reallocated when no candidate has a majority, and how a winner is determined). The exact counting rules and thresholds would be detailed in the bill.

Create or designate the administrative framework needed to implement RCV in nonpartisan primaries, including roles for election officials, ballot design considerations, and related procedures.

Address transition logistics, including any required changes to election equipment, software, and training for election staff and possibly voters.

Note: Because the text of the bill is not provided here, the specific provisions—such as the maximum number of ranked choices allowed, exactly how rounds of counting operate, deadlines, or any exceptions—would be set forth in the final bill language.

Who would be affected

Voters participating in nonpartisan primary elections (e.g., local offices where candidates run without party labels).

Local election administrators and jurisdictions that conduct nonpartisan primaries.

Ballot design, counting systems, and related election administration processes (including training programs for staff).

Procedural/timeline aspects

Status: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Election Law (January 8, 2025).

Legislative path: As a bill introduced in the Assembly, it would advance through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Assembly, and then would need to pass the Senate and be signed by the governor to become law. The exact timeline depends on legislative action and committee consideration.

Summary interpretation

A 90 seeks to modernize and potentially broaden voter choice in nonpartisan primaries by allowing ranked selections and ensuring a majority winner through sequential ballots. The bill’s detailed mechanics, implementation timeline, and fiscal implications would be clarified in the full text and any subsequent amendments during the legislative process.

Bill