Black Voters Matter stands firmly against the Democratic National Committee’s proposed rule to prohibit the use of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in the 2028 presidential primaries, a rule that would override the will of voters in states and jurisdictions like Maine and Washington, D.C., who have already chosen RCV as their preferred method of electing leaders.
For generations, Black voters have fought for the right to be seen, heard, and counted in this democracy. That fight has never just been about access to the ballot; it has always been about ensuring that our voices and votes have real power to shape outcomes for our communities on issues like healthcare, education, housing, economic opportunity, and state and local infrastructure. Ranked Choice Voting and Proportional Representation are models that our communities have embraced because they allow voters to support candidates who truly represent their values.
We’ve been asking our communities, partners, and allies to reimagine what a fair and equitable democracy looks like, so this move by the DNC to ban RCV will not go unanswered, because Black voters want policy and structural changes to our electoral system. States and voters should have the freedom to choose which electoral system is best for them, rather than be decided by committee.
We are calling on members of the DNC to vote NO on this ban against Ranked Choice Voting and instead engage with local leaders, grassroots organizations, and voters on ways to strengthen voter choice heading into 2028.
Black Voters Matter will continue to organize and mobilize our communities to defend and expand access to fair representation.