Vision

Instant Runoffs

Winning candidates should represent the majority of voters. Instant runoffs are a better, faster, and cheaper way to ensure majority-winner elections than traditional runoff elections. This system is also known as ranked choice voting.

Illustration of a voting ballotRed scribble filled in circle
Hand holding a red pen
The Problem

The majority doesn't always rule.

In most elections in America, the winner simply has to win the most votes — not necessarily the majority of votes. In contests with multiple candidates, that means it’s possible for the winner to take office even when most voters cast ballots for someone else. The result is a system that leads to unrepresentative outcomes.

Solution

Instant runoffs are designed to ensure the winner of an election is the candidate with a majority of support.

impact

Merits of Instant Runoffs

Ensures Majority Winners

Instant runoffs ensure the winning candidate is the one that the majority of voters support.

Saves Taxpayer Money

Instant runoffs save taxpayer money by eliminating the need for separate runoff elections.

Increases Competition

By eliminating the "spoiler effect," a greater diversity of candidates, including independents and third parties, can compete.

Encourages Coalition-Building

Candidates are incentivized to appeal to a broader base of support, which can lead to more positive, issues-focused campaigns.

Proof of Concept

The Primary Solution in Alaska

Since 2019, Unite America has been the largest investor to help win, implement, and defend the country’s first top-four nonpartisan primary and instant run-off general election in Alaska.

Upon first use in 2022, the new system increased participation, improved representation, and dampened polarization.

The Primary Solution in Alaska

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Laoreet ullamcorper euismod consectetur enim quis nunc. Porttitor volutpat commodo pharetra tristique. Lorem sed ut dui ut. Egestas sed quis dolor posuere vel lectus. Quis felis massa ac eu

Read Case Study

The Primary Solution in Alaska

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Laoreet ullamcorper euismod consectetur enim quis nunc. Porttitor volutpat commodo pharetra tristique. Lorem sed ut dui ut. Egestas sed quis dolor posuere vel lectus. Quis felis massa ac eu

Read Case Study

The Primary Solution in Alaska

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Laoreet ullamcorper euismod consectetur enim quis nunc. Porttitor volutpat commodo pharetra tristique. Lorem sed ut dui ut. Egestas sed quis dolor posuere vel lectus. Quis felis massa ac eu

Read Case Study

Sign up for our newsletter

Our weekly newsletter highlights the top three things to consider each week.

The Status of Instant Runoffs

Instant runoffs are currently used in 52 cities, counties, and states in the United States. Since 2004, there have been over 500 instant runoff  elections in the U.S. with tens of millions of ranked ballots cast.

News & Analysis

The Latest Stories

The latest Unite America press hits, analysis, explainers, partner storytelling, and more.