Ranked Choice Voting Implementation Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

Elections

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor: Bonds
Last action: 2025-12-16
Official status: Under Council Review
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text does not explain how ranked choice voting works or what rules apply to voters, only when it starts.

Ranked Choice Voting Implementation Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This bill temporarily changes the law to start ranked choice voting in Washington, D.C., with the first election held after January 1, 2027.

What This Bill Does

Temporarily amends section 8a of the District of Columbia Election Code of 1955.
Removes the phrase 'June 2026 primary election' from the existing law.
Inserts a new requirement for ranked choice voting to begin with the first election held after January 1, 2027.

Who It Names or Affects

Voters in Washington, D.C., participating in elections starting after January 1, 2027
The Council of the District of Columbia regarding election procedures

Limits and Unknowns

This act will expire automatically 225 days after it takes effect.
The law cannot take effect until approved by the Mayor, followed by a 30-day congressional review period and publication in the District of Columbia Register.

Bill History

2025-12-16 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
Retained by the Council
2025-12-16 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
Legislative Meeting
2025-12-15 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
B26-0540 Introduced by Councilmember Bonds at Office of the Secretary

Official Summary Text

Ranked Choice Voting Implementation Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

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___________________________ ________________________ 1
Councilmember Wendell Felder Councilmember Anita Bonds 2
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A BILL 4
__________ 5
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 8
____________________ 9
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To amend, on a temporary basis, section 8a of the District of Columbia Election Code of 1955 to 12
provide for the implementation of ranked choice voting beginning with the 2027 election 13
cycle. 14
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 16
act may be cited as the “Ranked Choice Voting Implementation Clarification Temporary 17
Amendment Act of 2025”. 18
Sec. 2. Section 8a of the District of Columbia Election Code of 1955, effective March 7, 19
2025 (69 Stat. 699; D.C. Official Code § § 1-1001.08a), is amended by striking the phrase “June 20
2026 primary election” and inserting the phrase “first election held after January 1, 2027” in its 21
place. 22
Sec. 3. Fiscal impact statement. 23
The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement of Budget Director as the fiscal impact 24
statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, approved 25
October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a). 26
Sec. 4. Effective date. 27
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the 28
Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of congressional review as 29

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provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 30
24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)), and publication in the District of 31
Columbia Register. 32
(b) This act shall expire after 225 days of its having taken effect. 33