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Bill

HB 4528

Relating to the use of preferential voting in certain elections.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Salman Bhojani

HB 4528 would permit Texas elections to use ranked-choice voting, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference instead of selecting one, potentially changing electoral outcomes and candidate viability.

Referred to Elections
#elections--administration(i0277) #elections--general(i0310) #elections--primaries(i0285) #secretaryofstate(v0042) #staffdevelopment&training(s0317) #texaspreferentialvotingact(po34l)
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Bill Summary · HB 4528

Legislative bill overview

HB 4528 would authorize the use of preferential (ranked-choice) voting in certain Texas elections, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference rather than selecting only one. The bill specifies which election types would be eligible for this voting method and establishes procedures for implementation and tabulation of ranked ballots.

Why is this important

Ranked-choice voting could change how election outcomes are determined in Texas, potentially affecting candidate viability, campaign strategies, and voter representation. This reflects a national debate about electoral reform, with implications for minority representation, majority support requirements, and voter choice expansion versus ballot complexity.

Potential points of contention

  • Ballot complexity and voter confusion: Ranked-choice voting requires different voter behavior and ballot design; opponents argue it increases spoiled ballots and disenfranchises less-educated voters, while proponents counter it's easily learnable
  • Impact on two-party dominance: The system may reduce the "spoiler effect" and increase viability for third-party candidates, which some view as democratizing and others as fragmenting the political process
  • Implementation costs and logistics: Ranked-choice tabulation requires new election software, training, and procedures; fiscal impact and potential technical vulnerabilities remain undetermined without bill specifics

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

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