Rabb reintroduces ranked choice voting bill
Legislation would create alternative to plurality, first-past-the-post elections
Rep. Christopher M. Rabb November 5, 2025 | 3:51 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 5 – State Rep. Chris Rabb today reintroduced his legislation to allow ranked choice voting in Pennsylvania, a reform aimed at strengthening democracy, improving civic engagement, and restoring public trust in elections.
Rabb’s bill (H.B. 123) would permit municipalities and counties to adopt RCV for their elections, empowering voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one.
“Ranked choice voting is the first best step in restoring trust in our elections,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “It ensures the winner of any election has earned over 50% of the vote. It is one of the best tools we have to combat extremism, reduce negative campaigning, and restore faith in government.”
In April, Rabb led an informational meeting on RCV with the House State Government Committee, featuring testimony from a panel of experts.
"Pennsylvanians deserve leaders who will fight for everyone they represent, not just their base. RCV makes that happen," said Armin Samii of March on Harrisburg. "RCV rebalances the incentive structure of our politics, giving Commonwealth residents a louder voice."
Ranked choice voting is currently used at various capacities in Alaska, Maine, Washington D.C, New York City, and other states and municipalities across the nation.
Rabb’s updated version of his RCV bill includes streamlined language, clearer implementation guidelines, and more, including:
- Initial results released on election night.
- Comparative results of the top two candidates included in final tallies.
- Flexibility for RCV use in primary, general or special elections.
House Bill 123 has been referred to the House State Government Committee.