LA Voters Strongly Back RCV in FM3 Government Reform Poll

A July 2023 FM3 Research poll of 826 likely Los Angeles voters found 71% support ranked choice voting to elect City officials — a finding that signals broad, durable appetite for election reform in LA.​

The survey, conducted July 15–23, 2023, tested RCV both with a simple description ("giving voters the option to rank candidates in order of preference") and a more detailed explanation of how votes transfer when a top candidate doesn't win a majority. Support held at 71% in both cases, indicating the concept resonates regardless of how much detail voters receive.​

RCV support was strong across virtually every demographic group tested:​

• By age: 75% (18–29), 69% (30–39), 69% (40–49), 65% (40–64), 70% (65+)

• By gender: 73% of women, 68% of men

• By race/ethnicity: 70% of white voters, 74% of Latino voters, 68% of African American voters, 73% of Asian/Pacific Islander voters

• By geography: Support ranged from 63% (Downtown) to 78% (East LA) across LA City zones

The poll also tested a hypothetical City Charter reform ballot measure that bundled RCV with campaign finance reforms. That version drew 67% initial support among likely voters — and jumped to 71% among likely primary voters. The competing version of the measure (without RCV, but with a lobbying restriction) earned slightly higher support at 70%, suggesting RCV does not meaningfully drag down a broader reform package.​

RCV ranked as the second most popular individual reform tested — behind independent redistricting (78%) and ahead of Council expansion (59%).​

Read the full documents:

• FM3 Poll Memo – Key Findings

• FM3 Full Poll Results Presentation

Watch the RCV poll results discussion (starting at the 21:51 mark)