D.C. government approves funding for ranked choice voting implementation

In November 2023, voters in Washington, D.C. passed Initiative 83, a measure supporting ranked choice voting, by a significant majority. This initiative allows voters to rank up to five candidates in order of preference during elections, aiming to enhance voter choice and representation. However, Democratic lawmakers, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, previously expressed resistance to adopting this voting system. Despite opposition, the Council of the District of Columbia voted 8–4 in mid-July 2025 to allocate funds for implementing ranked choice voting, marking a critical step forward in the electoral reform process. The passage of Initiative 83 was influenced by long-standing frustrations regarding the electoral system in D.C., particularly the treatment of independent voters who are typically excluded from party primaries. Approximately 18 percent of D.C. voters identify as independents, and their disenfranchisement has been a point of contention in discussions about electoral fairness. While the recent funding decision does not address the issue of independent voters participating in primaries, it represents a notable shift in the Council's stance towards ranked choice voting, which is often hailed as a way to promote competitive elections. Councilmember Anita Bonds played a vital role in this process by proposing an implementation plan for the measure, which included analyses of costs, various implementation issues, and timelines. Nonetheless, the plan's limitations mean that it does not fully realize the entirety of Initiative 83. Critics argue that the resistance from incumbents who fear losing power continues to obstruct real electoral reform in the district. The broader implications of the Council's decision to fund ranked choice voting reflect a tension between maintaining the status quo and responding to voter preferences. Advocates like Meredith Sumpter, CEO of FairVote, indicate that the adoption of ranked choice voting will provide voters with greater choices and promote better outcomes in future elections, despite the ongoing hurdles concerning the inclusion of independent voters in the primary process. The Council’s vote is seen as a landmark move towards enhancing democracy in Washington, D.C., and reducing the grip of political incumbents over the electoral landscape.