Current:Home > MyBipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers propose ranked-choice voting and top-five primaries-InfoLens
Bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers propose ranked-choice voting and top-five primaries
View Date:2024-12-23 19:10:16
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers on Wednesday revived a push to implement ranked-choice voting and nonpartisan blanket primaries in the battleground state.
Under the new bill, candidates for the U.S. House and Senate would compete in a single statewide primary regardless of their political party, with the top five finishers advancing to the general election. Voters in the general election would then rank candidates in order of preference, a system that ensures winners are chosen by a majority.
It’s the second time the idea has received bipartisan support in the Republican-controlled Legislature. A nearly identical bill introduced in 2021 was never voted out of the Senate elections committee.
The goal “is not to change who gets elected; it is designed to change the incentives of those who do get elected,” authors of the bill said in a message asking other lawmakers to co-sponsor it. The three Democrats and two Republicans proposing the measure say it will make lawmakers more accountable to a wider range of voters.
Ranked-choice voting has been adopted in Maine and Alaska and proposed in numerous state legislatures in recent years.
Under the system, if a candidate receives a majority of first-place votes, they win. If that doesn’t happen, the lowest vote-getter is eliminated and anyone who had that person as their first choice instead has their vote go to their second-ranked candidate.
The process continues until one candidate has over 50% of the votes. In the current system, candidates can win without a majority.
Supporters of ranked-choice voting say it will decrease polarization by pushing candidates to appeal to more than just their party and will also encourage independent and third-party candidates. Critics, who have mostly been Republicans, say the system is too complicated and could be abused by voters who want to game it.
___
Harm Venhuizen is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
veryGood! (4734)
Related
- Tennessee fugitive accused of killing a man and lying about a bear chase is caught in South Carolina
- Why AP called Michigan for Trump: Race call explained
- Box of hockey cards found at home sells for $3.7m, may contain Wayne Gretzky rookie cards
- Prince Harry Loses Legal Challenge Over U.K. Security Protection
- Louisiana man kills himself and his 1-year-old daughter after a pursuit
- Wendy Williams’ Publicist Slams “Horrific Components” of New Documentary
- Idaho set to execute Thomas Eugene Creech, one of the longest-serving death row inmates in the US
- Hunter Schafer was among protestors arrested during President Joe Biden’s appearance on ‘Late Night’
- NBPA reaches Kyle Singler’s family after cryptic Instagram video draws concern
- Essential winter tips on how to drive in the snow from Bridgestone's winter driving school
Ranking
- Justice Department says jail conditions in Georgia’s Fulton County violate detainee rights
- Ned Blackhawk’s ‘The Rediscovery of America’ is a nominee for $10,000 history prize
- US Rep. Lauren Boebert’s son arrested in connection with string of vehicle break-ins, police say
- Key witness in Holly Bobo murder trial says his testimony was a lie, court documents show
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Something Corporate
- These Kopari Beauty and Skincare Sets Will Make Your Body Silky Smooth and Glowy Just in Time for Spring
- Laurene Powell Jobs’ philanthropy seeks to strengthen communities with grants for local leaders
- Messi, Argentina plan four friendlies in the US this year. Here's where you can see him
Recommendation
-
When do new episodes of 'Cobra Kai' Season 6 come out? Release date, cast, where to watch
-
Pink's 12-year-old daughter Willow debuts shaved head
-
Horoscopes Today, February 27, 2024
-
Ned Blackhawk’s ‘The Rediscovery of America’ is a nominee for $10,000 history prize
-
Investigators believe Wisconsin kayaker faked his own death before fleeing to eastern Europe
-
Public health officer in Michigan keeps her job after lengthy legal fight over COVID rules
-
Jury finds 2 men guilty on all counts in Jam Master Jay murder trial
-
Officials describe how gunman killed 5 relatives and set Pennsylvania house on fire