DC Initiative 83: Ranked Choice Voting, Semi-Open Primary on the Ballot for DC

WASHINGTON – When voters in D.C. go to the polls, they will be asked if they want to change the way they choose their elected officials. It’s called Initiative 83.

Initiative 83 asks voters whether they want to let independents vote in primaries and introduces ranked-choice voting in D.C. elections. It would take effect in 2026.

The ballot initiative has created strange political partnerships – the Democratic and Republican parties in Washington oppose it, while independents hope to pass it.

What would I-83 mean for DC area codes?

D.C. currently has closed primaries, meaning only Democrats and Republicans can vote in the primary. Supporters of I-83 say it will prevent independent voters from having a say in who will vote in November.

“First, it would allow independents to participate in primaries. “Right now, not many people know that these primaries are funded by taxpayer dollars, and we can’t all participate in them right now,” said Lisa Rice, who supports DC Initiative 83.

But opponents — including Democrats and Republicans — say Initiative 83 would violate the District’s House rules by dismantling D.C.’s partisan primary system. They also say proponents of the change are supported by outside political groups that failed to win at the ballot box and are now trying to change the rules of the game after years of tradition.

“You use the word “change” a lot and we believe this is an attempt to change the landscape of our elected officials! Council,” said Deidra Brown, who opposes DC Initiative 83

What would I-83 mean for amendment votes in DC?

In ranked-choice voting, voters select their preference from five candidates and these candidates compete against each other until one receives a majority. This would mean that the candidate who wins would need over 50% of the vote.

Voters could place their top candidate at the top of the ballot, but also rank your second, third, fourth choice, etc.

Supporters see this as another way to open things up in DC

“Not only does it guarantee that the winner of an election receives a majority of the vote, it is also a process that encourages minority candidates and ensures civility in elections. When voters rank candidates, the slogan “Every vote counts” applies. “If you’re a candidate who wants to be a voter’s second choice, it helps if you don’t engage in negative campaigning,” said Yes on 83 treasurer Philip Pannell.

This ballot initiative is being put before DC voters because supporters were able to collect enough signatures to place it on the ballot. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office tells FOX 5 the mayor opposes Initiative 83.