Those of us advocating for gender parity in elected offices often face a dilemma: acknowledging the significant lack of equal representation in the United States and recognizing our progress.
Advances in women’s representation in public office have occurred despite discriminatory laws, practices and systems designed to favor wealthy men. As our country lags behind other modern democracies in achieving a gender-balanced government, we must change our approach to see more women elected to office.
This year brings renewed optimism about moving closer to achieving gender parity by reforming systems to remove barriers so more women can run for office.
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) offers a promising solution.
RCV has proven effective in increasing women’s representation at all levels of government according to research from RepresentWomen. RCV is the fastest-growing electoral reform, receiving support from editorial boards nationwide, including a strong endorsement from The Washington Post. Women hold 53 percent of seats in jurisdictions with RCV. As RCV appears on ballots nationwide this November, it’s a critical opportunity for reform.
We understand that a significant part of our work involves advocating for equality in government and keeping you informed throughout the process.
The RepresentWomen Voters Guide is your essential resource for informed and impactful voting, especially on reforms like RCV. We have the power to shape our communities and nation. By understanding the issues and the benefits of voting reforms, researching candidates and casting our votes, we can ensure our voices are heard and our priorities represented.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make informed voting decisions. We’ll provide information on key issues, states with open primary elections, top RCV initiatives and more. We aim to support you as an active and engaged citizen, using your vote to create a more just and equitable society.
RepresentWomen Supports:
Washington, D.C., Initiative 83 | YES
Initiative 83 will appear on the November ballot to determine whether Washington will implement RCV and allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections. Proposed by the organization Make All Votes Count DC, the initiative secured more than 60,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot.
In Washington, over 70,000 Independent voters have been unable to participate in primary elections. These voters argue that excluding them from the primaries constitutes voter suppression. Implementing RCV and allowing Independent voters to better participate reflects citizens’ preferences in a diverse political landscape and enhances voter engagement.
Several additional cities are considering forms of RCV, including Oak Park, Ill.; Peoria, Ill.; Portland, Ore.; and Richmond, Calif.
Oregon, Measure 117 | YES
The Ranked Choice Voting for Federal and State Elections Measure, known as Measure 117 in Oregon, aims to implement RCV for state and federal primary and general elections. Referred to the November ballot by the Oregon legislature, this measure represents the most significant step any state legislature has taken to promote RCV. If adopted, it would take effect in 2028, making Oregon the third state in the nation to implement RCV at both the state and federal levels, following Maine and Alaska.
The campaign for Measure 117 is led by Oregon Ranked Choice Voting advocates, with solid support from Oregon Democratic lawmakers. Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-OR) has been a passionate supporter, highlighting how RCV increases voter engagement and enhances representation for all demographics. As the first RCV initiative proposed by the Oregon state legislature, Measure 117 is a significant advancement for RCV in the state.
Colorado, Proposition 131 | YES
Proposition 131 seeks to replace the state’s semi-closed primary system with RCV and top-four primary elections. If adopted, RCV would be implemented for the state board of education, governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and regents of the University of Colorado but not for presidential or most local elections. Colorado cities, including Boulder and Telluride, have successfully used RCV in municipal elections.
Colorado Voters First is the leading organization backing Proposition 131. They argue that the current voting system limits candidate opportunities and prioritizes the interests of elite politicians. According to a poll conducted by Colorado Voters First, 56 percent of voters indicated they would vote “yes” on Proposition 131, with an additional 8 percent leaning toward “yes.”
Idaho, Proposition 1 | YES
Idaho Prop. 1 will appear on the November 2024 ballot to determine whether Idaho will adopt top-four open primaries and RCV for state, county and gubernatorial elections. The initiative is supported by Idahoans for Open Primaries, who collected approximately 63,000 signatures to qualify it for the ballot.
Despite meeting the signature requirement, they faced challenges when Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador (R) sued to block the initiative. However, the Idaho Supreme Court dismissed the case, allowing Prop. 1 to be included on the November ballot.
Nevada, Question 3 | YES
This aims to end the state’s closed primary system by implementing RCV and open primaries, allowing all voters to participate regardless of party affiliation. It marks the second time Question 3 has appeared on the November ballot, the first being in 2022 when it won the first phase of the effort with 53 percent of the vote. The proposed changes would affect congressional races (both House and Senate), legislative elections and statewide offices but not presidential or local elections.
Nevada Voters First is the primary political action committee supporting Question 3, arguing that at least 35 percent of Nevada voters cannot participate under the current closed primary system.
Montana, CI-126 and CI-127 | YES
The Majority Vote Required to Win Elections Initiative (CI-127) and the Top-Four Primary Initiative (CI-126) will be on Montana’s November ballot. The measures would open Montana’s primary elections and adopt RCV. Both initiatives were proposed by the organization Montanans for Election Reform, who gathered over 60,000 signatures to get these initiatives on the ballot. Montanans for Election Reform argue that open primaries and RCV would allow voters freedom of choice without it being based on party affiliation and create more competition amongst candidates.
If CI-126 and CI-127 are adopted, RCV and open primaries would be implemented for crucial Montana elections, including those for governor, secretary of state, attorney general and congressional offices.
RepresentWomen Opposes:
Arizona, Proposition 133 | NO
Arizona voters will consider a constitutional amendment that mandates partisan primaries for all partisan offices and prohibits open primaries and RCV. This proposal could limit voter choice, particularly for Independents, and decrease the competitiveness of elections.
Organizations such as the League of Women Voters of Arizona, Voter Choice Arizona, Save Democracy Arizona and RepresentUs strongly oppose this amendment, highlighting its potential to diminish diverse representation. Rep. Austin Smith (R-AZ) formally introduced the bill and has since received support from 13 other Republican co-sponsors.
Opponents’ arguments center that it would limit platforms to third-party candidates, especially women and people of color, and make races far less competitive and representative of voters’ primary choice.
Alaska, Ballot Measure 2 | NO
In Alaska, voters face a critical decision in November: Ballot Measure 2 is an initiative to repeal the nonpartisan primary design and Top-Four Ranked-Choice Voting.
Voting “yes” would eliminate the top-four primaries and RCV general elections in Alaska, adopted in 2020, and establish a party primary system.
Since the enactment of nonpartisan elections and implementation of RCV, there are more independent candidates in Alaska state office than at any other point in history. This repeal could diminish the representation of independent candidates and weaken advancements made in voting access and set a concerning precedent for other states.
Empowering Our Democracy
Our current lack of representation highlights significant blind spots and gaps in legislation, preventing us from effectively addressing the unique challenges faced by women. When we discover evidence-based solutions that advance our goals for more robust and representative political leadership and legislative bodies, we empower voters.
To monitor and assess our advancements and setbacks, RepresentWomen produces the Gender Parity Index (GPI), assigning each state a grade based on its proximity to gender parity.
Our democracy is stronger when elected and appointed officials reflect the populations they serve. For more than a century of this country’s existence, women were barred from holding office—and for women of color, this exclusion lasted even longer. We must implement fundamental changes to processes and structures to achieve true representation.
At Ms. magazine, our mission is to deliver facts about the feminist movement (and those who stand in its way) and foster informed discussions—not to tell you who to vote for or what to think. We believe in empowering our readers to form their own opinions based on reliable reporting. To continue providing you with independent feminist journalism, we rely on the generous support of our readers. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today if you value the work we do and want to see it continue. Thank you for supporting women’s voices and rights.
