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

# Wisconsin Bill Would Allow Ranked-Choice Voting

Wisconsin lawmakers have proposed legislation that would fundamentally change how voters cast ballots in state, federal, and local elections. State Senator Mark Spreitzer and Representative Clinton Anderson, both Democrats from Beloit, introduced the measure in March, which would implement ranked-choice voting—a system allowing voters to rank candidates by preference rather than selecting just one.[1]

Under ranked-choice voting, if no candidate wins an outright majority, the candidate with the fewest first-place votes is eliminated and those votes are redistributed based on voters' second choices. This "instant runoff" process continues until a candidate achieves a majority.[1] The proposal would also eliminate February primaries for nonpartisan elections, streamlining the electoral process.[1] Wisconsin currently uses a plurality system, where the candidate with the most votes wins regardless of whether they achieve a majority.[4]

Supporters view the legislation as election integrity reform that gives voters greater voice and could reduce political polarization by allowing voters to express genuine preferences without fear of "wasted votes."[1] However, the measure faces opposition from those who argue it represents federal overreach and could disenfranchise voters.[1]

The proposal reflects growing national interest in alternative voting systems. Several other Wisconsin bills addressing ranked-choice voting have been introduced in recent legislative sessions, indicating sustained momentum among some lawmakers to modernize the state's election procedures.[5][6][7]