What Resources Does FairVote Offer on Ranked Choice Voting and Proportional Representation?

Updated

FairVote's site organizes its material into four main resource types: research reports, data on ranked choice voting (RCV), RCV "how-to's" and ballot tools, and data on proportional RCV. If you want to understand how RCV works, find where it's being used, or get practical guidance for running or participating in an RCV election, those four categories are the fastest way in. The site also carries news and commentary, plus a newsletter signup for updates.

The four resource categories

Resource type What it covers
Research reports Studies and reports on RCV, proportional representation, and related election topics
Data on RCV Data sets and information on ranked choice voting
RCV "how-to's" and ballot tools Practical guidance and tools for RCV elections
Data on proportional RCV Data specific to proportional ranked choice voting

The site's resources page is described as the entry point for "additional information on ranked choice voting, proportional representation, and other election topics."

Explanatory pages for the two core reforms

If you're starting from zero, FairVote maintains plain-language explainers:

  • What is ranked choice voting? — Describes RCV as letting voters rank candidates in order of preference (first, second, third, and so forth), with the stated aim of giving voters more voice and more freedom.
  • What is proportional representation? — Explains that instead of electing one legislator, different groups of voters elect winners in proportion to their share of the votes cast.

These two pages are the natural starting point before moving into the data and how-to material.

Where RCV is being used

For a current snapshot of adoption, FairVote highlights that Alaska and Maine will use ranked choice voting in November, along with 13 cities and counties (as stated for the 2026 elections). This is the page to check if your question is "is RCV used where I live?"

News, commentary, and outside coverage

FairVote aggregates news updates and media articles on the movement for better elections. One example on the site is a Washington Post editorial board piece (October 3, 2024) arguing that implementing RCV in primary and general elections could help, that voters can support a preferred candidate without worrying as much about wasting a vote or the "spoiler" effect, and that candidates gain an incentive to make broad-based appeals to attract second- and third-place votes.

Staying updated

The site offers a newsletter signup for "important updates," which is the simplest way to receive new research, data releases, and news as they're published.

How to choose what to read first

  • New to the topic → start with the "What is ranked choice voting?" and "What is proportional representation?" explainers.
  • Need evidence or numbers → go to research reports and the RCV / proportional RCV data sections.
  • Running or participating in an RCV election → use the RCV "how-to's" and ballot tools.
  • Tracking adoption or current events → check the 2026 elections page and the news and commentary section.