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Bill

SB 594

Relating to: ranked-choice voting for local nonpartisan elections, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Dassler-Alfheim and 3 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill authorizes municipalities to adopt ranked-choice voting in local nonpartisan elections with new administrative rules and state funding.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 594

Legislative bill overview

SB 594 would authorize Wisconsin municipalities to implement ranked-choice voting (RCV) for local nonpartisan elections. The bill grants rule-making authority to election officials and includes an appropriation to support implementation of this alternative voting method.

Why is this important

Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates by preference, with votes redistributed if no candidate achieves a majority, potentially reducing the spoiler effect and increasing representation of diverse candidates. This affects how local elections function in Wisconsin municipalities and could influence voter behavior, election outcomes, and municipal governance structures.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation complexity and cost: RCV requires new voting equipment, voter education, and trained election staff; some argue the administrative burden and expense don't justify the benefits for local elections
  • Voter confusion and ballot spoilage: Critics worry voters unfamiliar with RCV may incorrectly mark ballots or find the process confusing, potentially disenfranchising some voters rather than empowering them
  • Partisan implications and legitimacy concerns: Supporters see RCV as more representative; opponents argue it could change electoral outcomes in unpredictable ways and raise questions about whether election results reflect true voter intent in complex redistribution scenarios

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

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