Understanding the System Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is a method that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference instead of selecting just one. It is used in some local elections, including in New York City for primaries and special elections. The goal is to achieve a winner with broader support, but its implementation raises important strategic and structural concerns. Here’s how RCV works: voters rank candidates (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). If no one wins a majority (over 50%) of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Voters who chose that candidate have their votes reassigned to their next choice. This process continues until one candidate secures a majority of the remaining active ballots.