Elections; ranked choice voting, locally elected offices, report.

This legislation directs the Virginia Department of Elections to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of implementing ranked-choice voting for locally elected offices across the Commonwealth. The study will evaluate the administrative requirements, potential costs, ballot design complexities, and voter education needs necessary to transition away from traditional plurality voting. By requiring a formal report to the General Assembly, the bill aims to provide policymakers with the data needed to determine whether ranked-choice voting could improve electoral fairness and voter satisfaction at the local level. If eventually adopted, this shift would allow Arlington voters to rank candidates by preference, potentially changing how local campaigns are managed and ensuring that winners have broader consensus support from the community.