MO HB1897

Allows any political subdivision in Missouri to conduct ranked-choice voting for single-winner or multi-candidate elections through order, ordinance, or charter amendment.

Requires the adoption document to specify the method for calculating winning thresholds, eliminating candidates, transferring votes, resolving ties, and counting ballots, with surplus vote transfer procedures required for multi-candidate elections.

Permits ranked-choice voting ballots to allow voters to rank as many choices as there are candidates, with a minimum of three ranking choices if three or more candidates exist and equipment permits.

Election contests arising from ranked-choice voting shall be heard in circuit court, which must apply the local order, ordinance, or charter amendment while applying general state election laws for all other matters.

Requires political subdivisions using ranked-choice voting to conduct a voter education and outreach campaign funded from general revenue and not considered a state mandate.