By Esther Claudette Gittens | Editorial credit: Ron Adar & rblfmr / Shutterstock.com| Photos from Left to Right: Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani & Adrienne Adams

New York City’s 2025 primaries will once again utilize Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), a system designed to reflect voter preferences more accurately and promote inclusive elections. Adopted in 2019 and first implemented in 2021, RCV aims to address issues like vote-splitting and low-majority winners. This guide explores how RCV functions, its implications, and practical strategies for voters navigating this system.

How RCV Works

Under RCV, voters rank candidates by preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) rather than selecting a single choice. In NYC, voters can rank up to five candidates. If no candidate secures a majority (50%+1) of first-choice votes, the process enters an elimination phase:

1. The candidate with the fewest votes is removed.
2. Votes for the eliminated candidate are redistributed to their supporters’ next-ranked choices.
3. This repeats until one candidate achieves a majority.

This “instant runoff” mechanism ensures the winner has broad support, even in crowded races.

Benefits of RCV

RCV encourages candidates to appeal to a broader electorate, as securing second- or third-place rankings can be pivotal. This often reduces negative campaigning, as alienating opponents’ supporters risks losing their down-ballot support. For voters, RCV eliminates the “spoiler effect,” allowing them to support their preferred candidate without fearing wasted votes. In NYC’s diverse primaries—where ideological factions within parties are common—RCV mitigates vote-splitting among similar candidates, fostering consensus-driven outcomes.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its advantages, RCV faces scrutiny. Some voters find ranking multiple candidates confusing, potentially leading to higher ballot errors. In 2021, NYC’s Board of Elections initially mishandled test results, fueling mistrust. Results may also take longer to tabulate, testing voter patience. Critics argue RCV doesn’t guarantee moderate winners and could disadvantage less-organized campaigns. However, studies in cities like San Francisco show RCV increases voter satisfaction and turnout over time.

Voter Tips for 2025

1. Rank Strategically: Prioritize your true favorite first. Use subsequent ranks for acceptable alternatives—this ensures your vote matters even if your top choice is eliminated.
2. Maximize Rankings: Fill all five slots if possible. Ranking fewer candidates risks your ballot being “exhausted” if all your choices are eliminated.
3. Avoid Duplicates: Ranking a candidate multiple times (e.g., 1st and 2nd) invalidates subsequent rankings.
4. Research Candidates: Understand candidates’ platforms to make informed rankings. Attend forums or use nonpartisan tools like NYC’s Campaign Finance Board guides.
5. Practice: Mock ballots online can demystify the process.

Lessons from 2021

The 2021 mayoral primary highlighted RCV’s strengths and growing pains. While Eric Adams emerged as a consensus choice after multiple rounds, delayed results sparked calls for improved voter education and administrative transparency. For 2025, NYC has likely enhanced outreach, but voters should still verify deadlines and review sample ballots.

Conclusion

RCV represents a shift toward more democratic primaries, empowering voters to express nuanced preferences. While challenges persist, informed participation can maximize its benefits. As 2025 approaches, NYC voters should embrace RCV as a tool to elevate candidates who genuinely reflect the electorate’s will. By ranking thoughtfully and engaging early, every voter can contribute to a more representative outcome.

In a city known for its political dynamism, RCV offers a path to unity without uniformity—a fitting experiment for the nation’s largest urban democracy.

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