Elections – Ranked–Choice Voting – Contests for Presidential Nomination in 2028
The bill outlines that the State Board of Elections is responsible for developing and funding a comprehensive voter education campaign to inform the electorate about ranked-choice voting procedures. This initiative also includes the requirement for the State Board to conduct a survey following the primary election to assess voter satisfaction with the ranked-choice voting system. Reporting on these findings will be expected by January 1, 2029, which is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and potential administrative barriers to the system's implementation.
Senate Bill 493 establishes a framework for implementing ranked-choice voting in the context of the 2028 presidential primary election in Maryland. This bill mandates that all contests for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the office of President of the United States in the statewide primary election shall utilize ranked-choice voting. This voting method allows voters to rank candidates according to their preferences, aiming to establish a more representative outcome by reducing the likelihood of a vote splitting among similar candidates.
While supporters argue that ranked-choice voting can increase voter engagement and better reflect the diverse preferences of the electorate, there may be contention surrounding the viability of implementing such a system. Concerns may arise regarding the complexity of the voting system and the potential for increased errors among voters unfamiliar with the ranked-choice voting process. Additionally, discussions may revolve around the cost implications of the voter education campaign and the comprehensive reporting after the election, which could influence future election management policies in Maryland.