As the June 16 primary approaches, AARP D.C., the League of Women Voters D.C., and the D.C. Board of Elections have joined forces to create a comprehensive voter guide. The guide addresses key issues in local races and explains the new ranked choice voting (RCV) system—a major shift for District voters.
Ranked choice voting, approved by 75% of voters under Initiative 83, allows voters to rank up to five candidates per contest. If no candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, the lowest finisher is eliminated and votes are redistributed until a majority winner emerges.
Joseph Hand of AARP D.C. said unfamiliarity is the top concern among older voters. “Many of our members have been voting the same way for decades. Now it’s a totally different way,” he said. AARP has been partnering with the Board of Elections to hold educational sessions at senior centers, community meetings, and forums across the city, giving the 50-plus community hands-on practice with sample ballots.
Ann Stauffer, co-president of the League of Women Voters D.C., emphasized that RCV empowers voters. “You can still vote for your favorite candidate, but if they don’t get enough votes, your second choice might win. There’s no throwing away your vote anymore,” she said. The League also offers a digital toolkit at Vote411.org where voters can create personalized guides and see candidates’ positions side-by-side.
The Board of Elections has ramped up outreach, providing materials in multiple languages, a practice lab at its headquarters, and an online app. All registered voters will receive a mail ballot.
“Our goal is to make sure everyone can confidently cast their ballot and know it will be counted,” Hand said. With early voting opening soon, organizers urge residents to prepare now and make their voices heard.
