HI HB638

Establishes instant runoff voting (IRV) method for county elections with no primary and for special elections that would normally require a runoff if no candidate receives a majority of votes.

Implements sequential vote tabulation where if no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes transferred to voters' next choices until a candidate achieves a majority or after four rounds of tabulation.

Requires ballots to allow voters to rank candidates by preference up to four places, with instructions stating that marking alternate choices cannot help defeat higher-ranked choices.

Directs the chief election officer and county clerks to adopt rules under chapter 91 to implement IRV using mechanical, electronic, or other vote-counting means while preserving the method's intent and principles.

Takes effect January 7, 2059, with rules to be adopted by December 31, 2058; does not apply to elections held before January 1, 2059.