Maine voters approved of a new ranked system of voting that supporters say will help third party candidates get elected.
Ranked choice voting for state legislators and members of Congress was narrowly approved by 52 percent of voters on Tuesday. This makes Maine the first state in the country to add ranking to the ballet.
Voters can pick their first choice for a candidate, but also rank the other candidates in order of preference.
If a candidate does not reach a majority, there will be an instant runoff election with the top two candidates.
Supporters say that the new system will help Maine voters avoid choosing the “lesser of two evils” and give third party candidates a fighting chance.
Governor Paul LePage has been a vocal opponent against the measure, calling it a way for election losers to have a second chance.
