Dearborn, MI — A new grassroots initiative is underway across Michigan to transform the way we vote — and it might be the most important election reform effort in a generation.
The Rank MI Vote campaign is leading a ballot initiative to enact Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for Michigan’s major elections, including presidential primaries, statewide offices, and legislative races. This voting system empowers voters with more choice and ensures that elected officials have the support of the majority.
What Is Ranked Choice Voting?
Ranked Choice Voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference — first choice, second choice, third, and so on. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Those votes then go to the next ranked candidate on each voter’s ballot. This process continues until a candidate crosses the 50% threshold and wins.
Why It Matters
In our current system, candidates can win with a small plurality — sometimes as little as 34% — especially in races with more than two candidates. This often discourages fresh voices, punishes third-party and independent campaigns, and leaves voters feeling forced to choose between “the lesser of two evils.”
RCV flips that script. It:
- Empowers voters to freely choose their favorite candidate without fear of wasting their vote.
- Encourages positive campaigning — candidates need to appeal to a broader base to earn second and third-choice votes.
- Prevents vote-splitting, ensuring similar candidates don’t inadvertently help elect their least preferred opponent.
- Builds accountability — winners are chosen by a true majority.
- Strengthens representation in government, especially for communities who have long been underrepresented.
What the Ballot Proposal Includes
If passed, the initiative will bring Ranked Choice Voting to:
- Major party primaries for President, Governor, U.S. House and Senate.
- General elections for the same offices, plus Attorney General and Secretary of State.
- Straight-ticket voting, allowing voters to rank parties, which then carry down the ballot.
The proposal also includes voter protection measures:
- Paper ballots guaranteed in all elections.
- Voter access preserved — if you’re in line when the polls close, you can still vote.
- Primary elections moved to June or earlier, giving voters more time and breathing room before November.
- Transparency and updates required — voters must be notified of changes to voting procedures.
Learn More and Get Involved
This initiative is powered by the people. Volunteers across Michigan are gathering signatures to put this measure on the 2026 ballot. Want to join them or learn more?
📍 Visit RankMIVote.org to read the full policy, get involved, and sign up to volunteer.
Let’s take the next step in building a democracy that truly works for all of us — right here in Michigan.
Dearborn Blog 