COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Republicans have introduced new legislation that, if passed, would make ranked-choice voting (RCV) illegal across the state. Ohio House Bill 684 (HB 684), introduced by Representatives Scott Wiggam and D.J. Swearingen, aims to prohibit the use of RCV in all federal, state, and local elections in Ohio. The proposed legislation was brought to the Ohio House on November 4, 2024, and seeks to amend section 3501.41 of the Ohio Revised Code, explicitly banning the use of any voting method that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference.
What the Bill Proposes
House Bill 684 would enact a new section in the Ohio Revised Code to ban RCV in any election held in the state. Under RCV, voters rank candidates in order of preference, and votes are tallied in rounds. If no candidate receives a majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and ballots cast for that candidate are reassigned to the next preferred candidate listed. This process continues until a candidate secures a majority or until enough candidates are selected to fill all positions.
The bill’s language strictly prohibits any form of ranked voting, mandating that elections revert to the traditional single-choice, plurality voting method, where the candidate with the most votes wins outright, even if they do not secure a majority.
Supporters’ Perspective: Protecting Traditional Voting Methods
Supporters of HB 684 argue that ranked-choice voting is overly complicated and could confuse voters. They claim that the traditional plurality voting system is simpler and more transparent, ensuring clarity in election results. Representative Wiggam noted that “Ohio elections are best served by straightforward, majority-win systems that all voters can understand and trust.”
Proponents also argue that RCV is inconsistent with Ohio’s electoral traditions and that altering the voting process might undermine confidence in the state’s election infrastructure. Additionally, some critics of RCV maintain that it could delay results due to the multi-round counting process, which they believe risks increasing public frustration and decreasing confidence in elections.
Critics’ Concerns: Limiting Voter Choice and Reducing Electoral Fairness
Opponents of the bill argue that banning RCV eliminates a promising option for improving voter representation and engagement. RCV advocates highlight that the method reduces the “spoiler effect,” allowing voters to support their preferred candidates without worrying that doing so will inadvertently help an opposing candidate. According to recent research, RCV may also lead to broader candidate pools, more positive campaigning, and better representation of diverse voter preferences.
Supporters of RCV point to studies showing that it can mitigate the effects of polarization, giving voters more choices and enabling them to rank candidates without the risk of “wasting” their votes. They argue that this system can create a more representative government and foster electoral outcomes that reflect the electorate’s full range of preferences.
Next Steps for the Bill
As a partisan bill introduced by Republican lawmakers, HB 684 may face challenges in the legislative process if it encounters opposition from Democrats and pro-RCV groups who view the system as beneficial to democratic engagement. Ohio’s General Assembly is expected to hold hearings and debates in the coming weeks, where stakeholders from both sides will weigh in on the future of voting in Ohio.
For now, HB 684 has been introduced but has yet to proceed through committee review and floor debate. If it advances, Ohio will join a growing number of states engaging in legislative debates over the use and future of ranked-choice voting in American elections.