Ranked-choice voting frequently asked questions

Is there a benefit to ranking choices?

You have the option to rank your choices for each city office. You are not required to rank. Others who have used the system believe that having the option to rank their choices allows them more opportunity to have their voice heard. Voters who choose to rank essentially have the chance to say, “If my first choice is not elected, this is the next candidate I would like to see elected."

Does my vote count if I rank the same candidate for each choice?

Yes. However, votes will count one time for that candidate. Ranking the same candidate for all three choices will not increase their chance of winning. It’s generally considered the same as leaving two of the choices blank.

Ranked-choice voting frequently asked questions

Does my vote count if I skip a ranking or leave one of the choices blank?

Yes. All valid votes cast on a ballot will be counted. Skipping a ranking or choosing not to vote for a particular office on the ballot is called an undervote. You are allowed to rank up to three choices for each city office and may vote for each office that appears on your ballot. Similar to what happens now, you can choose to vote for as many or as few of the offices on the ballot as you choose.

If I rank three choices, do three votes get counted?

No. Each voter only gets one vote counted. If a winner can be declared after all first-choice votes are counted, the second and third choice votes are never counted. If a candidate is eliminated, all votes for that candidate are transferred to the next highest candidate chosen on those ballots.

How to register if you are:

• A college student

College students should register to vote from the address they currently consider home. For many students, this is likely a school address or the house of an adult who cares for them.

• Homeless

If you are experiencing homelessness, you can register to vote using the location where you sleep as your address. You will need to go to the polling place with someone who is eligible to vote in your precinct and can confirm where you are living.

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In the military or living abroad

If you are currently serving in the military or are a citizen living abroad temporarily or indefinitely, you can have an absentee ballot sent to you wherever you are. Your ballot application also serves as a voter registration application.

• Moving on or close to Election Day

To vote in Minnesota, you must live in the state for at least 20 days before Election Day. If you are moving within the state near Election Day, you must register to vote from the address you currently consider home.