Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) Toolkit

Overview

This toolkit provides clear, accessible resources to help voters understand and participate in Ranked Choice Voting, the method for voting in Washington D.C. starting in 2026. Materials are organized by time commitment and depth, making it easy to find the right resource for your needs.

To download this toolkit as a PDF document, please click here. 

• In this toolkit, we recommend that you:
  

  • Start with the Basics section for a fast overview.

  • Use the Deep Dive resources to sign up for a live webinar or listen to a recorded training.

  • Explore the Additional Information resources for context and research.

  • Check the Election Information resources for up-to-date DC election details and to check on your registration status.

  • Download RCV Resources to train others.

Section 1: Ranked Choice Voting Basics (5 minutes or less)

These quick resources provide a high-level overview of how Ranked Choice Voting works.

• Quick RCV Reference Guide
  
• RCV - FAQs
• RCV - FAQs (Español)
• Short Video Explanation of What RCV is
• Short Video Explanation on how to fill out a Ranked Choice Ballot
• Practice Ballots & Examples of RCV
• RCV Palm Card
• Tarjeta de bolsillo para RCV (Español)

Section 2: Deepen Your Understanding (approximately 1 hour)

These resources provide a more detailed explanation of RCV, including how to vote with a ranked choice ballot, how votes are counted, and why the system is used.

• DC Board of Elections – Upcoming RCV Webinars in April – May 2026 (these trainings are LIVE and include time for questions) — sign up here
• League of Women Voters DC and Rank the District – Recorded Training on RCV — view here 

Section 3: Additional Information 

Explore these resources to understand broader context, research, and real-world use of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV).

• More General Resources on RCV from reputable sources:

  • DC Board of Elections RCV Guide

  • Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center

  • Rank the District RCV Information

• Where RCV Is Used in the United States and Additional Information
• How RCV Supports Political Representation
• Local Perspective: “Is D.C. Ready for RCV?”
  

Section 4: 2026 Washington, DC Election Information

• Stay informed about upcoming elections dates and candidates by visiting the DC Board of Elections Site

• See what’s on your ballot, register to vote, or check your registration at www.vote411.org, the League of Women Voters’ nonpartisan “one-stop-shop” for all the election-related information you need
  

  • VOTE411’s D.C. Voter Guide will go live on May 1st, providing information on the candidates running for every office and where they stand on key issues, which is especially important in this election, as voters will be ranking candidates on the ballot according to their preference

Section 5: Resources for RCV trainers/educators

• League of Women Voters DC and Rank the District Powerpoint Training
• League of Women Voters DC and CARECEN Powerpoint Training (Español) 
  

This toolkit was prepared by the League of Women Voters of DC. Contact us with inquiries at lwvdc@lwvdc.org with "RCV" in the subject line. 

Last updated: April 2026