Rank Choice Voting Elections Benefit Candidates and Voters of Color

Localities should consider adopting rank choice voting (RCV) for local elections, because RCV elections improve opportunities for candidates of color and increase voter engagement with the electoral process. This report outlines how candidates of color in cities with RCV elections have seen better outcomes, and pay no penalty when running against candidates of the same racial or ethnic background. It also highlights local-level case studies that show how RCV elections have led to increased voter turnout, positive campaigning, and higher rates of candidate cross endorsements.