West Virginia § 3-1-52 - 3-1-52. Ranked-choice voting prohibited.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 3-1-52 — 3-1-52. Ranked-choice voting prohibited., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-1-52. 3-1-52. Ranked-choice voting prohibited.
(a) Definitions:
"Local government" means any municipality, county, school district, special taxing district, or any other regional or local district or unit of government that is governed by one or more elected officials.
"Ranked-choice voting", "cumulative voting", or "instant-runoff voting" means a method of casting and tabulating votes in which:
(1) Voters rank candidates in order of preference;
(2) Tabulation proceeds in rounds such that in each round either a candidate or candidates are elected or the last-place candidate is defeated;
(3) Votes are transferred from elected or defeated candidates to the voters' next ranked candidate or candidates in order of preference; and
(4) Tabulation ends when a candidate receives the majority of votes cast or the number of candidates elected equals the number of offices to be filled.
(b) No state, county, or local elections office may use ranked choice voting or instant runoff voting to conduct an election or nomination of any candidate in this state for any local government, statewide, or federal elective office.
(c) Any existing or future ordinance enacted or adopted by a county, a municipality, or any other local government entity which is in conflict with this section is void.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 3-1-52
What does West Virginia Code § 3-1-52 cover?
Section 3-1-52 ("3-1-52. Ranked-choice voting prohibited.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 3-1-52?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 3-1-52" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 3-1-52 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.