Why 4/5: It permanently expands a new voting method and mandates significant administrative and educational actions by the State Board of Elections.
This bill permanently expands the option for Virginia localities to use ranked choice voting for any local governing body election. It requires the State Board of Elections to establish standards, approve software, provide voter education, and allows for risk-limiting audits for these elections.
Update
Placed on Calendar
First reading
Read first time
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
Cleared committee
Reported from Privileges and Elections (15-Y 6-N)
Second reading
Read second time
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed House (64-Y 34-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB176ER)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Elections; ranked choice voting, locally elected offices, report.”) · Read the actual bill →
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB176)
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Line-item veto
Governor's recommendation received by Senate