Building Momentum for Ranked Choice Voting in Massachusetts

What's happening at the Massachusetts State House to help bring ranked choice voting (RCV) to Waltham? 

Waltham depends on action by the Massachusetts Legislature before it can adopt ranked choice voting. One of two pathways must be approved:

• A Home Rule Petition specifically for Waltham, or

• S.531/S.2911, statewide legislation that would give every Massachusetts city and town the freedom to adopt RCV without seeking special legislative approval.

While communities across Massachusetts are exploring the benefits of ranked choice voting, significant work is also underway at the State House to make RCV a reality statewide.

Over the past year, volunteers and advocates with Voter Choice Massachusetts (VCMA) have intensified their efforts to advance ranked choice voting legislation. Their work has included multiple lobby days at the Massachusetts State House, testimony at legislative hearings, constituent outreach campaigns, and direct engagement with lawmakers.

One of the most notable accomplishments came during the November legislative hearing on Senate Bill S.531, when supporters submitted more than 100 written testimonials from Massachusetts residents urging lawmakers to move the bill forward. VCMA volunteers also organized constituent email campaigns and continued regular meetings with legislators and staff throughout the session.

These efforts have produced meaningful results. For the first time, the legislature's Joint Committee on Election Laws reported favorably on ranked choice voting legislation, keeping S.531/S.2911 alive during the current legislative session.

The favorable committee report is not the only sign of progress. Advocates believe that more than 25 Massachusetts senators, including Michael Barrett who represents Waltham,

are prepared to support ranked choice voting when the bill reaches the Senate floor. 

Progress rarely happens overnight, but favorable committee action and growing Senate support demonstrate that ranked choice voting is receiving increasing attention on Beacon Hill.  Every testimony, email, meeting, and conversation helps build momentum toward giving Massachusetts voters more choice and more voice in their elections.

To learn more about Voter Choice Massachusetts and watch videos of their legislative advocacy efforts, visit their YouTube channel and follow their ongoing work at the State House.

The growing support for RCV at the State House demonstrates that change is possible. If you'd like to help bring ranked choice voting to Waltham, consider volunteering with RCWaltham or signing up for updates.

Reference Videos and Hearings

• RCV Day at the Massachusetts State House — a quick recap of people-powered democracy in action.

• November hearing video

• Over 100 constituent written testimonials from supporters for the November hearing

• Videos about RCV legislative engagement