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SF 1912

Ranked choice voting provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Boldon and 2 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill implementing ranked choice voting for elections, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference with automatic redistribution if no majority winner emerges initially.

Author added Mitchell
#elections #government-local #government-state
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 1912

Legislative bill overview

SF 1912 proposes to implement ranked choice voting (RCV) in Minnesota elections, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference rather than selecting a single choice. If no candidate achieves a majority on the first count, votes are redistributed based on voters' ranked preferences until a winner emerges. The bill was introduced in February 2025 and is currently in the Elections Committee.

Why is this important

Ranked choice voting could fundamentally alter how Minnesota conducts elections, potentially reducing the spoiler effect where third-party candidates split votes with ideologically similar major-party candidates. Proponents argue it increases voter choice and representation; opponents contend it adds complexity and may alter electoral outcomes compared to traditional plurality voting.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and voter education: Converting election infrastructure, training poll workers, and educating voters on a new voting method requires significant resources and public outreach, with concerns about confusion during transition periods
  • Electoral outcome changes: RCV can produce different winners than traditional voting, potentially benefiting or harming specific parties depending on voter preference distributions and ranking patterns
  • Constitutional and legal questions: Minnesota may face legal challenges regarding whether RCV aligns with state constitutional provisions and federal election law, particularly regarding federal offices

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

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