S.F. 335 allows local governments to adopt ranked-choice voting as the method for voting on local offices. This bill provides the requirements and procedures that must be followed in a jurisdiction that adopt ranked-choice voting.

Section 1 provides that the new chapter 204E, created in the bill, applies to all elections authorized to use ranked-choice voting. All other election laws apply to the extent that there is no conflict.

Section 2 provides definitions.

Section 3 allows cities, counties, towns, and school districts to adopt ranked-choice voting as the method of voting for local offices. A local government may adopt ranked-choice voting by ordinance or resolution. A home rule charter city may adopt ranked-choice voting in its charter or by voter approval. Ranked-choice voting is repealed by the same method used for adoption. Nothing in this bill prevents a charter city from adopting another voting method in its charter. No primary elections shall be held when ranked-choice voting is used. Adoption and repeal of ranked choice voting must be done no later than 30 days for the first day to file affidavit of candidacy for offices which will use ranked-choice voting. The chief election official must notify the secretary of state of adoption or repeal of ranked-choice voting.  

Section 4 provides for the format of the ballot. Ballots must allow candidates to rank write-in candidates for each office. The ballot must include specified instructions and notices. If elections are held where both ranked-choice voting and another method of voting are used, the elections must be on the same ballot, where possible. The ranked-choice voting and non-ranked-choice voting portions must be clearly separated. The chief election official determines the format of the ballot.

Section 5 provides for a centralized ranked-choice voting tabulation center, which must be accessible to the public. After voting has ended, the election judges in each precinct shall record and announce the number of first choices cast for each candidate. Then the election judges must transfer all electronic voting data and ballots to the tabulation center. After the materials are transferred to the tabulation center, a recess may only be called during the count for meals or other necessary purposes. Election judges must examine ballots where a write-in candidate was ranked and record the names of the write-in candidates. If the write-in candidates are not eliminated, the results must be entered into the voting tabulation software, if it is used. Counting must continue until preliminary results for all races are determined.

Section 6 provides the process for tabulating votes. The tabulation must proceed in rounds for each office to be counted. The threshold must be calculated and publicly declared. Each round is made up of six possible steps. The steps are explained and include provisions for determining how candidates continue to the next step, how surplus votes are handled, how candidates are eliminated or defeated, how votes are transferred, and how to break ties. Provisions are made for skipped rankings, undervotes, overvotes, and duplicate rankings.

Section 7 requires each precinct and the tabulation center to prepare summary statements that include specified information. The summary must be certified as true and accurate. The election abstract must include specified information.

Section 8 provides that a candidate defeated in the final round of tabulation may request a recount under section 204C.36 (recounts in local elections) and the rules adopted under that section. Other candidates may request recounts at their own expense. 

Section 9 provides for postelection review of ranked-choice voting systems. A postelection review is subject to the same requirements as other postelection reviews unless specified in this section. A postelection review of ranked-choice voting systems is only required where tabulation software is used to determine the winner of an election. A review is not required for a race that will be subject to a recount. The review must include select precincts in at least one single-seat ranked choice voting election and at least one multiple-seat ranked choice voting election, if there was one.

Section 10 provides that testing of ranked-choice voting systems must be done in the same manner as the testing of other voting systems.

Section 11 authorizes the secretary of state to adopt rules to implement the requirements of chapter 204E.

Section 12 requires that the notice of the candidate filing period indicate the method of election to be used for the office on the ballot.

Section 13 requires any new voting equipment purchased must meet the listed specifications relating to ranked-choice voting.

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