Voting Reforms
RepresentWomen undertakes all of our research projects to further understand the current landscape of women's political and judicial representation across demographic and social divides. We use our research to ground and develop our advocacy strategies to build a culture of change and progress for women's representation throughout the country.
Electoral Reforms Drive Change
RepresentWomen aims to reform the structural barriers that prevent women from getting involved in politics. Funding, recruitment, and training women candidates will be much more effective once electoral systems no longer disadvantage women.
Countries such as Sweden and Mexico have embraced modern voting techniques that improve representation, the United States has not. Below are the reforms that RepresentWomen proposes.
Fair Representation Voting
Ranked Choice Voting (RCV):
In an ranked-choice vote election, voters rank as many or as few candidates as they like in order of choice; first, second, third, and so on. When a candidate has a majority of first-choice rankings they win, just like any election. However, if no candidate has a majority, the last-place candidate is eliminated, and voters whose first choice lost have their votes instantly go to their next choice. The process repeats until two candidates remain, and the candidate with the majority wins.
Multi Winner Districts:
Multi-member contests allow for a more diverse group of voters to elect candidates of choice. When a congressional district has multiple representatives, the opinions and values of their constituents are better represented. Multi-member districts also increase women’s representation because voters tend to balance their tickets, and political parties seek to appeal to as many voters as they can.
How Does RCV Work in Different Elections?
The Fair Representation Act:
The Fair Representation Act (HR 4000) gives voters of all backgrounds and all political stripes the power to elect House Members who reflect their views and will work constructively with others in Congress.
Under the Fair Representation Act, there will be more choices and several winners elected in each district. Congress will remain the same size, but districts will be larger, each electing 3, 4, or 5 winners. Voters will be free to rank their choices without fear of "spoilers." No district will be “red” or “blue.” Every district will fairly reflect the spectrum of voters.
Voters are clamoring for change. The Fair Representation Act is effective, constitutional, and grounded in American traditions. It will ensure that every vote counts, all voices are heard, and everyone has an equal opportunity to serve in elected office.
