Second place has never mattered so much. Virginia is one of a handful of states that have off-year elections. Additionally, the Virginia GOP opted for a convention instead of a primary using Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). This matters because a polarizing self-identified “Trump-in heels” is running for Governor of Virginia, and they could split Republican voters.

As a proponent of RCV I’ll be watching Virginia’s 2021 Republican mid-term election with interest. It could shine a bright light on RCV while simultaneously giving us a look into the future. Read more of Caren White’s take on how Virginia Will Give Us a Preview in November of the 2022 Midterm.