What is ranked-choice voting and how does it work in US elections?

In Alaska, a controversy is unfolding over whether two Senate candidates with roughly the same name will cancel each other out. The debate has shone a spotlight on a relatively uncommon style of voting in the United States: a system known as “ranked choice”. Only two states in the United States — Alaska and Maine — employ ranked-choice voting throughout their territory, though major cities like New York have also embraced the practice. Ranked-choice ballots allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference, rather than choosing just one. If a voter’s first choice does not win a majority, their vote can be transferred to their second pick. With US midterm elections set for November 3, ranked-choice voting could play a role in closely watched races, including the Alaska Senate battle. Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system could come under scrutiny in this year’s Senate race, where two candidates named Dan Sullivan appear on the ballot. In June, the Alaska Supreme Court allowed the vote to proceed with the participation of both Sullivans. But the controversy has prompted US President Donald Trump to sue Alaska , seeking to block certification of the Senate election results if the incumbent Dan S Sullivan loses. Earlier this year, Virginia approved legislation expanding the use of ranked-choice voting.