Shadow Politics with Senator Michael D. Brown and Co-host Liberty Jones

Ranked Choice Voting in D.C.: the New Ballot System

Guest, Monica Holman Evans, Executive Director for The District of Columbia Board of Elections

Michael D. Brown Opens Shadow Politics

In this episode of Shadow Politics, host Former D.C. Shadow Senator Michael D. Brown welcomes co-host Liberty Jones and guest Monica Holman Evans, executive director of the District of Columbia Board of Elections. The conversation focuses on D.C.’s newly implemented ranked choice voting system, which Brown describes as exciting, confusing, and important for voters to understand. Before turning to the mechanics of the system, Brown thanks Monica for joining the program during an already active voting period and notes her long experience in election work.

Why Ranked Choice Voting Came to D.C.

Monica explains that the Board of Elections did not independently decide to implement ranked choice voting. Instead, D.C. voters approved Initiative 83 in the November 2024 general election, with more than 73% voting yes. The D.C. Council then funded implementation in the FY2026 budget. Monica emphasizes that the Board’s job is now to administer the system clearly, educate voters, and make sure people are not discouraged from voting because the process feels unfamiliar.

How Ranked Choice Voting Works

Monica explains that ranked choice voting applies to contests with at least three qualified candidates. In those races, voters may rank up to five candidates in order of preference, but they are not required to rank more than one. A voter can still choose only a first-choice candidate if they wish. Monica stresses that ranking additional candidates does not harm a voter’s first choice because only one vote counts at a time. The purpose of the system is to ensure that the winning candidate receives more than 50% of the vote before being declared the winner.

Elimination Rounds and Second Choices

Brown asks how second-choice votes are counted, and Monica clarifies that second-choice votes are not automatically counted for every voter. If no candidate receives more than 50% in the first round, the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated. Then, only the ballots from voters who chose that eliminated candidate are redistributed according to those voters’ next ranked choice. This process continues through tabulation rounds until a candidate crosses the required threshold or the contest is otherwise resolved under the rules.

Why Some Support the Change

Liberty asks why ranked choice voting has gained momentum and what its benefits are supposed to be. Monica explains that the main premise is that candidates should receive majority support rather than winning with a small plurality in crowded races. She says ranked choice voting has already been used in places such as Arlington County, New York, Minneapolis, and Alaska, but D.C.’s rollout is especially broad because it applies to every Board-administered primary, general, and special election contest with at least three qualified candidates, except political party offices.

Voter Education and D.C.’s Unique Rollout

Monica says one of the Board’s biggest challenges is voter education. Many people voted for ranked choice voting without fully understanding how large the implementation would be. She also warns voters not to rely only on outside explanations, because ranked choice voting rules differ by jurisdiction. Monica says the D.C. Board of Elections should be treated as the trusted source for how ranked choice voting works in D.C. She also notes that the Board has already had to correct outside materials that gave inaccurate information.

Preparing Voters Before They Arrive

Monica encourages voters to use the mailed ballot as a voting guide, even if they plan to vote in person. Because ranking candidates can take longer than simply choosing one name, she says voters should study their ballot before arriving at a vote center. The Board expects people may spend more time voting, so preparation can help reduce delays. Monica also says trained site coordinators and informational materials will be available at vote centers to help voters understand the process.

At-Large Races and Candidate Strategy

Brown raises a concern about D.C.’s at-large races, where voters have historically been able to choose more than one candidate. Monica explains that ranked choice voting will change how those races work in the general election, because voters will rank candidates rather than casting two equal votes. Brown says that, as a former candidate, he would likely urge voters to make him their second choice if he could not be their first. Monica notes that ranked choice voting may encourage candidates to partner, ask supporters to rank allied candidates, and avoid excessive negative campaigning because second- and third-choice support can matter.

Mistakes, Overvotes, and Ballot Validity

Brown asks what happens if a voter makes a mistake, such as choosing more than one candidate in the same ranking column. Monica explains that this creates an overvote for that contest at the point of the error. The entire ballot is not thrown out, and earlier valid rankings in that contest may still count. However, once the ballot is cast, the voter does not get a do-over for that contest. This is one reason the Board is emphasizing education, sample ballots, preparation, and on-site assistance.

Mail Ballots, Signature Verification, and Election Trust

The discussion also covers election integrity and public trust. Monica explains that D.C. uses 100% signature verification on returned mail ballots. The Board compares the ballot signature to signatures already in its system from voter registration forms, prior in-person voting, and prior mail ballots. If a signature cannot be verified, the voter is given an opportunity to cure the issue. Monica says this process has also helped identify situations where someone may have tried to return a ballot on behalf of the actual voter.

Access, Same-Day Registration, and Noncitizen Voting

Brown praises D.C. for expanding voter access but also says he believes the city may have gone too far in some areas, including allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. Monica explains that, as of the broadcast, noncitizens are still able to vote in D.C. local elections, although the U.S. House has passed a bill to roll that back and a companion bill has been introduced in the Senate. The conversation also touches on same-day registration and D.C.’s broader effort to make voting accessible.

Closing with Resources and a Call to Vote

Near the end, Monica directs listeners to the Board of Elections website for ranked choice voting videos, sample materials, and visual explanations. She says early voting begins June 8 and runs through June 14, with 25 early vote centers open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day is June 16, with 75 vote centers open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monica urges voters not to let ranked choice voting stop them from participating and encourages anyone with questions to contact the Board or visit its ranked choice voting lab. Brown closes by emphasizing voting as both a right and an obligation, and the episode ends with Willie Nelson’s “Vote ’Em Out” in honor of Monica’s public-service work.