More Voice, More Choice with Ranked-Choice Voting
The Coalition of Communities of Color has worked since 2018 to advance democracy in the City of Portland through the adoption of more representative electoral systems that will help ensure the voices of BIPOC community members are more fully reflected in our city government. In 2022, we worked as part of the Portland United for Change coalition to pass Measure 26-228, moving Portland’s democracy forward.
Now, in this election, Portland voters will be using ranked-choice voting to elect its Mayor, Auditor, and City Councilors for the first time. By ranking candidates, your voice will be more powerful.
Here’s a quick guide on ranked-choice voting. Go to bit.ly/pdx-votes for full information on our new system!
With ranked-choice voting in Portland, you can rank up to 6 candidates in order of preference.
Rank your favorite candidate 1st.
You can only have one candidate be your #1. Do not rank more than one candidate as your first ranking, or that ranking won’t count.
Select any other candidates you like and rank them in order of preference, up to 6.
Once you’ve selected your 1st choice candidate, you can then choose a 2nd choice in the second column, then a 3rd, and keep making choices up to 6. Rank only one candidate per column.
Ranking all 6 of your choices is the most powerful way to use your ballot, but it’s okay to choose fewer. Ranking more candidates will never hurt your 1st choice.
Key tips:
Don’t rank a candidate that you do not support.
You will be voting in a geographic district and 3 City Council candidates will win. Ranking at least three people will help make sure you have a say about the winners. But remember, you can only rank one candidate #1.
If you make a mistake, it’s okay! Simply mark an X over the incorrect choice. You can also call 3-1-1 for help between 7:00 AM–8:00 PM every day.
You can find tips, instructions, and more information on how to fill out your ballot at bit.ly/pdx-votes.
Why rank candidates?
If your 1st choice candidate doesn’t get enough votes, your vote can still help determine the winner.
You can vote for your favorite candidate, without worrying about wasting your vote.
You can support candidates with different backgrounds and ideas.
Return your ballot by TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5. Drop your ballot off at any official drop box location by 8:00 pm (find a location here) or by mail (no stamp required). Ballots must be postmarked by November 5.
If you have not yet received your ballot or have any problems, call 3-1-1 if you need help.
Portland voters, it’s time to make your voices heard in this election! Go to bit.ly/pdx-votes for all the information you need on ranked-choice voting.