I urge the State Board of Elections to reject the proposed amendment allowing batch elimination of candidates in Virginia’s ranked choice voting (RCV) administrative rules.

The proposed change would create an unnecessary exception to the standard elimination process in voting rounds. It would undermine the transparency and verifiability that current regulations provide to the public. Specifically, it sets aside the clear, sequential process outlined in 1 VAC 20-100-50 B (particularly the structure requiring elimination of the active candidate with the fewest votes in each round when no majority is reached). This deviates from the statutory definition in § 24.2-673.1 of the Code of Virginia, which describes RCV tabulation as proceeding in rounds where “the last-place candidate is defeated.”

Section § 24.2-673.1 defines ranked choice voting as a method in which tabulation proceeds in rounds such that in each round a candidate or candidates are elected or the last-place candidate is defeated, with votes transferred accordingly. The administrative code should implement and clarify this statutory framework—not introduce exceptions that alter its core mechanics for the sake of expediency. Batch elimination obscures the step-by-step progression of vote transfers that allows voters, candidates, observers, and the public to independently verify results using the reported data.

While the goal of faster tabulation is understandable, especially in contests with many candidates, this convenience comes at the cost of public confidence. Sequential single-candidate elimination provides a distinct, auditable path that aligns with the law’s intent. Truncating or batching this process muddies the tabulation, reduces transparency, and risks eroding trust in election outcomes without any compelling justification that outweighs these drawbacks. Virginia should prioritize accuracy, verifiability, and fidelity to statute over procedural shortcuts.

I respectfully request that the Board maintain the current single-candidate elimination rule in 1 VAC 20-100-50 to preserve the integrity and transparency of RCV in the Commonwealth.

Thank you for considering this comment.