Chapter 13 Optimizing Nonpartisan Primaries with Ranked Choice Voting and Proportional Representation

Individual election reforms should not just be evaluated in isolation but also in the context of how they contribute to the larger election reform agenda.In this chapter, we take this approach with nonpartisan primaries.Nonpartisan primaries are a popular election reform; as of 2024, five states use them in some form.Nonpartisan primaries can invite more voters into the electoral process and make general elections more competitive.However, nonpartisan primaries come in different forms; some are more transformative than others, and some have considerable drawbacks.Incorporating ranked choice voting (RCV) into nonpartisan primaries and/or general elections can address issues associated with nonpartisan primaries, such as vote-splitting and limited choice in general elections.Using a top-four primary followed by an RCV general election (the "Alaska model") particularly optimizes for competition and choice.Like nonpartisan primaries generally, the Alaska model has been criticized for diminishing the role of parties in the nomination process.However, the model can be adjusted by allowing party endorsements to appear next to candidates' names on the ballot, giving parties greater influence and making the reform more sustainable.Finally, only proportional representation can foster robust competition and fair outcomes in every election.Of the proportional systems under consideration in the United States, the proportional form of RCV is most compatible with nonpartisan primaries.