RCV in Primaries – CT Voters First – Connecticut Voters First

RCV IN

THE BENEFITS OF RCV ARE MAGNIFIED IN PRIMARIES, CAUCUSES, AND CONVENTIONS

RCV produces nominees supported by larger majorities of party voters
No more ‘vote splitting,’ with RCV voters can express honest preferences without fear that their vote will help their least liked candidate, or be wasted
RCV inherently eliminates the possibility of ‘spoiler candidates’
Candidates with similar ideologies or backgrounds don’t have to worry that they will divide support
RCV incentivizes candidates to build inclusive campaigns that appeal broadly, and not merely to a particular ‘base.’
RCV provides better Election Day choices for all voters, regardless of party affiliation

REAL WORLD SUCCESS — THE VIRGINIA GOP EXPERIENCE

Virginia Republicans have used RCV during several party conventions, beginning in 2021
Candidates have broadened their appeals to voters across partisan divides because they needed 2nd and 3rd choice votes to win
RCV has dramatically reduced internal party tension
Use of RCV in the nomination process has led to improved candidate and party performance on Election Day
RCV is used in party caucuses, conventions and/or primaries in 10 states, by both Republicans and Democrats

THE BENEFITS OF RCV ARE PARTICULARLY PRONOUNCED IN PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES

The current system disenfranchises early, absentee, and some military voters due to large numbers of candidates, high rates of campaign suspension or drop-out, and the tendency of candidates to exit the race close to the primary date
RCV protects absentee and early voters from total disenfranchisement (In 2020, 3 million Democrats, or 8%, lost their votes)
RCV avoids vote splintering, wasted votes, and spoiler candidate issues
RCV produces consensus candidates with majority support
RCV deters fringe candidates that depend on extremist support
RCV is used in presidential primaries by Democrats and Republicans alike across 6 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands