IL HB1708

Expands ranked-choice voting (RCV) for municipal and township elections by allowing municipalities to adopt ordinances permitting any qualified voter to use ranked vote-by-mail ballots, removing the previous restriction limiting such ballots to military members or voters who will be outside the U.S.

Extends RCV ballot use to consolidated primary elections in addition to consolidated general elections for municipal and township offices.

Authorizes the State Board of Elections to adopt rules mandating ranked-ballot voting for all state, local, and federal primary elections (excluding presidential primaries) when more than 2 candidates are nominated for an office.

Creates nonpartisan "top-two" primaries where all candidates appear on a single ballot with party affiliation listed, all voters can participate regardless of party, and the top 2 candidates advance to the general election.

Requires the State Board of Elections to conduct voter education campaigns on the ranked ballot system; voters may rank up to 5 candidates but are not required to rank more than one. Effective January 1, 2026.