Sponsors (3)
The bill preserves D.C.'s current plurality/runoff voting system and centralizes federal enforcement to block ranked-choice voting, trading increased federal control and reduced local choice for continuity in electoral methods and a uniform enforcement mechanism.
D.C. voters: preserves the existing plurality/runoff voting system by preventing adoption of ranked-choice voting, maintaining familiarity and continuity in how local and federal D.C. elections are conducted.
D.C. voters and local governments: creates a single federal enforcement mechanism by authorizing the U.S. Attorney General to seek injunctions to block ranked-choice voting adoption in the District, standardizing how changes to federal election methods are challenged.
D.C. voters and the District government: removes the option to adopt ranked-choice voting for federal, local, and ballot measure elections, overriding local self-governance and limiting local democratic choice.
Taxpayers and the public: allows DOJ enforcement actions that could trigger litigation and associated federal or local legal costs, creating potential expenses for taxpayers and parties involved in challenges.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Bans the District of Columbia from using ranked-choice voting in any D.C. election and adds AG enforcement authority under HAVA.
Prohibits the District of Columbia from using ranked-choice voting in any District election, including local offices, federal offices elected in D.C., and ballot initiatives or referenda. The bill adds that prohibition into the Help America Vote Act and gives the U.S. Attorney General explicit authority to seek court orders enforcing the ban. Creates a new statutory prohibition on a specific voting method for elections held in the District and updates HAVA's table of contents and enforcement provisions to reflect that change.
Official title: To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the use of ranked choice voting in a District of Columbia election, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 1, 2025 by Michael Lawler · Last progress April 1, 2025