Where Ranked Choice Voting Is Used in the 2026 Elections

Updated

Ranked choice voting (RCV) will be on the ballot in Alaska and Maine in November 2026, according to FairVote, along with 13 cities and counties. That means if you live in one of those jurisdictions, you may be asked to rank candidates in order of preference rather than pick just one — and the way your ballot is counted will differ from a standard plurality election. Below is what FairVote's homepage confirms about the 2026 landscape, plus how to find details for your specific area.

What FairVote says about 2026

FairVote's homepage highlights a page titled "Ranked choice voting in the 2026 elections," with this summary:

  • Alaska and Maine will use ranked choice voting in November 2026.
  • 13 cities and counties will also use RCV in that cycle.

FairVote does not list those 13 localities by name on the homepage itself. To get the specific jurisdictions, you would follow the "Learn More" link on that page or check FairVote's research and resource sections.

Why this matters for voters

Under RCV, you rank candidates as first, second, third, and so forth. FairVote describes the effect this way: voters "have more voice, with the freedom to rank candidates in order of preference." The stated goal is to reduce the "spoiler" problem — the concern that voting for a preferred candidate could inadvertently help elect someone you oppose.

FairVote's homepage illustrates this with a 2026 Alaska example: "Dan Sullivan faces Dan Sullivan for Alaska Senate seat," noting that with ranked choice voting, Alaskans "don't need to worry about 'spoilers.'"

How to find out if your election uses RCV

  1. Check FairVote's 2026 RCV page. The homepage links to "Ranked choice voting in the 2026 elections" under the heading "Learn More." That is the entry point for the state and local list.
  2. Look at your sample ballot or voter guide. If your jurisdiction uses RCV, the ballot instructions will tell you to rank candidates rather than select one.
  3. Use FairVote's resources. The site offers "RCV 'how to's' and ballot tools," plus data on RCV and proportional RCV, for jurisdiction-level detail.

Where to go for more detail

FairVote's resources section includes:

Resource What it covers
Data on RCV Jurisdiction-level information on where RCV is used
RCV "how to's" and ballot tools Practical guidance for voters
Data on proportional RCV Information on proportional forms of ranked choice voting
Research reports FairVote's studies on election reform

FairVote also publishes news updates — the homepage references a "FairVote news update: Sep. 21, 2026," described as covering "the movement for better elections" from Alaska to Oklahoma.

The bottom line

For the 2026 elections, FairVote confirms RCV use in Alaska, Maine, and 13 cities and counties. If you want the exact list of those localities or want to understand how your ballot will work, start with FairVote's 2026 RCV page and its RCV data and ballot-tool resources.