Indiana becomes 19th state to ban ranked-choice voting

Arkansas also changes school board election timing, and Ballot Bulletin relaunches

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Indiana has become the 19th state to ban the use of ranked-choice voting (RCV), with Gov. Mike Braun (R) signing legislation prohibiting the practice. Arkansas has also passed laws consolidating its statewide primary elections to March and requiring school board elections to be held only in March of even-numbered years. Additionally, Ballotpedia is relaunching its Ballot Bulletin newsletter with a new format and send schedule.

Why it matters

The bans on RCV in Indiana and other Republican-led states highlight the partisan divide over the voting system, with most prohibitions occurring in states with Republican trifectas. Arkansas' changes to school board election timing aim to align local and statewide elections, a trend seen across the country as states seek to consolidate election dates.

The details

Indiana's new law states that an election 'may not be determined by ranked choice voting' and a 'candidate may not be nominated for or elected to an office by means of ranked choice voting.' The prohibition takes effect on July 1, 2026. No municipalities in Indiana currently use RCV. In 2020, the Indiana Republican Party held a mail-in, RCV contest for lieutenant governor and attorney general nominations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Arkansas, two new laws have changed the state's school board election process. SB 353 consolidated statewide primary elections to March, while also shifting school board elections to March of odd-numbered years. HB 1724 then eliminated the ability of school boards to choose spring or fall elections, requiring them to be held only in March. The bills also changed school board terms to four or six years, ensuring elections will now only occur in March of even-numbered years.

  • On Feb. 24, 2026, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) signed legislation prohibiting the use of ranked-choice voting.
  • In March 2025, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) signed SB 353, which established March as the month for the state's statewide primary elections and shifted school board elections to March of odd-numbered years.
  • In April 2025, Sanders signed HB 1724, which eliminated the ability of school boards to choose spring or fall elections, requiring them to be held only in March.

The players

Mike Braun

The Republican governor of Indiana who signed legislation prohibiting the use of ranked-choice voting in the state.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The Republican governor of Arkansas who signed bills consolidating the state's primary elections and changing the timing of school board elections.

Ballotpedia

A nonpartisan digital encyclopedia of American politics and elections that is relaunching its Ballot Bulletin newsletter.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.