A recent poll conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University has revealed that the majority of New Jersey residents are not ready to adopt the ranked choice voting system. This voting method, which is currently in use in New York City and statewide in Alaska and Maine, requires voters to rank candidates in order of preference, ensuring that the winner secures a majority of votes.
Despite its use in other regions, the poll indicates that only 37% of those surveyed in New Jersey are in favor of this concept. Meanwhile, a slightly higher percentage, 42%, expressed their opposition to the idea.
Ranked choice voting is seen as a way to ensure that the elected candidate truly represents the majority’s preference. However, it appears that this concept is yet to gain widespread acceptance among New Jerseyans.
Governor Phil Murphy previously expressed that he would be open to implementing a ranked choice voting system in the Garden State, but that it was not a top priority for the administration. A bill was introduced during the 2020-2021 legislative session to introduce the system, but it failed to make a vote.