COLUMBUS, OHIO — The Libertarian Party of Ohio is criticizing legislation passed by the state Senate that would ban ranked-choice voting (RCV) and penalize local governments that choose to adopt it. Senate Bill 63, approved on May 8 and now before the Ohio House’s General Government Committee, would prohibit RCV in all Ohio elections and cut Local Government Fund dollars from municipalities that implement it.
In a statement issued November 19, Libertarian Party Executive Committee Chair Michael Sweeney called the proposal “a direct assault on local democracy,” arguing that cities and towns should be free to choose their own election systems. Supporters of RCV say the method gives voters more options, reduces strategic “spoiler” concerns, and produces candidates with broader voter support.
The party also noted that communities using RCV in other states have reported higher voter satisfaction, stronger competition, and lower levels of negative campaigning. Sweeney said tying funding penalties to election policy crosses a “dangerous line,” accusing state lawmakers of attempting to protect entrenched political power rather than improve elections.
The bill has drawn support from lawmakers who say statewide uniformity is necessary but has faced opposition from groups including the Ohio Municipal League and Rank the Vote Ohio. Both organizations argue that the measure undermines home rule and prevents local experimentation with alternative voting methods.
The Libertarian Party urged the Ohio House to reject the bill and said voters — not state officials — should decide how their ballots are cast and counted.
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