Full Breakdown
Michigan's Ranked Choice Voting Campaign Pauses Signature Collection Efforts
12/19/2025, 12:03:27 PM
Overview of the Campaign's Suspension
Rank MI Vote, a grassroots organization advocating for ranked choice voting in Michigan, has paused its efforts to collect signatures for a 2026 ballot measure. Executive Director Pat Zabawa announced the decision on December 18, 2025, stating that the group is focusing on building momentum for a future statewide initiative. The organization had aimed to gather over 446,000 signatures by June 2026 but reportedly fell short by more than 200,000 signatures.
Background on Ranked Choice Voting
Ranked choice voting (RCV) allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on voters' second choices. This process continues until a candidate secures a majority. Michigan currently employs a plurality voting system, which can result in candidates winning without majority support, particularly in close races.
Key Figures and Groups Involved
The campaign for ranked choice voting has faced opposition from several entities, including the Michigan Association of County Clerks, which expressed concerns about potential delays in election results and voter confusion. Prominent conservative organizations, such as the Heritage Foundation, have also opposed RCV, with Republican House Speaker Matt Hall labeling the initiative a "terrible proposal" and celebrating the campaign's suspension as a victory for Michigan voters.
Official Statements and Responses
In a statement, Zabawa emphasized the importance of the conversations held with voters and expressed commitment to continuing advocacy for ranked choice voting. He stated, “We are leaving all options on the table for the future of our movement.” Conversely, Hall asserted that the people of Michigan oppose ranked choice voting, claiming, “We’re not going to allow out-of-state, left-wing radicals to come here and hijack our elections.”
Criticism and Opposition
The campaign has encountered significant political resistance since its inception. Critics argue that ranked choice voting could complicate the electoral process and lead to confusion among voters. The Michigan Association of County Clerks passed a resolution urging voters to reject the proposal, reflecting widespread skepticism among election officials. Additionally, conservative groups have indicated plans to mobilize against ranked choice voting initiatives, citing previous voter rejections of similar proposals in other states.
What's Next for Rank MI Vote
While the current signature collection efforts are halted, Rank MI Vote plans to regroup and prepare for a potential second launch in April 2027, aiming for a ballot initiative in 2028. Zabawa affirmed that the organization remains committed to advocating for ranked choice voting, stating, “The work is just getting started.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There is a notable discrepancy regarding the number of signatures collected. While sources indicate that Rank MI Vote was over 200,000 signatures short of its goal, specific figures on the total number of signatures gathered have not been disclosed. The future of ranked choice voting in Michigan remains uncertain as the organization navigates political opposition and prepares for its next steps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “However, we are leaving all options on the table for the future of our movement.” — Pat Zabawa, Executive Director, Rank MI Vote
- “I said from the beginning that the people of Michigan strongly oppose ranked choice voting, and the news today shows exactly that,” — Matt Hall, House Speaker, Michigan
