The D.C. Council voted to move forward with the on-time implementation of ranked choice voting for the 2026 elections, honoring the clear mandate delivered by voters. RepresentWomen is encouraged to see this commitment to democratic integrity upheld.
RepresentWomen is encouraged by the D.C. Council’s vote to uphold the on-time implementation of ranked choice voting (RCV) for the 2026 elections.
This outcome reflects what should always guide our democratic processes: the clear will of the voters. In November 2024, nearly 73 percent of Washingtonians approved ranked choice voting citywide, delivering a decisive mandate for reform. The Council affirmed that mandate earlier this year by funding implementation, and this week’s vote ensures that commitment is honored.
We are heartened to see the Council reject a last-minute effort to delay a voter-approved reform and instead move forward with the system D.C. residents chose. This is how democracy is meant to function — voters make their voices heard, and institutions follow through.
“Ranked choice voting reflects two principles that matter deeply to us at RepresentWomen,” said Cynthia Richie Terrell, Executive Director of RepresentWomen. “It opens the door for more women and candidates of color to run and compete without penalty, and it ensures that those who are elected earn majority support. When leaders are chosen by most voters — not just a narrow plurality — it strengthens their mandate and leads to more accountable, effective governance. This vote affirms that D.C. voters want both broader representation and majority-backed leadership, and we’re encouraged to see that mandate respected.”
We are grateful to our partners on the ground, including Grow Democracy DC, whose leadership and sustained advocacy have helped ensure that ranked choice voting is implemented as voters intended. As Grow Democracy DC Co-founder and CEO Lisa D. T. Rice shared following the vote:
“Washington, DC is ready for ranked choice voting. We thank the majority of the DC Council Members who voted down this last-ditch attempt to defer voter will. Dozens of cities and states across the country have implemented RCV smoothly; there’s a playbook for quality voter education and smooth election administration. The voters have spoken, the Board of Elections has made clear that they’re ready, and the election cycle is already underway. Groups like Grow Democracy DC Civic Education Fund will be speaking with Washingtonians across all eight wards in the District, making sure they’re ready to rank in 2026.”
The D.C. Board of Elections has consistently communicated that it is prepared to implement ranked choice voting, with ballot design underway and a comprehensive voter-education plan already in motion. Candidates have also begun campaigning, expecting that the rules approved by voters would remain in place. Upholding the implementation timeline provides clarity, stability, and trust for voters and candidates alike.
Ranked choice voting strengthens democratic accountability by ensuring that winners earn majority support and encouraging candidates to engage a broad cross-section of their communities. As jurisdictions across the country have shown, when elections reward coalition-building and positive engagement, governance is stronger and more responsive.
RepresentWomen applauds the Council members who voted to respect the voter mandate and thanks the election administrators, advocates, and community organizations working to ensure a smooth and accessible rollout. We look forward to supporting continued voter education efforts and to seeing ranked choice voting successfully implemented in Washington, D.C. in 2026.