Most local races will be decided by ranked-choice voting
Races for mayor and city council in some cities holding elections this November will be decided by ranked-choice voting. This allows voters to select up to three candidates from a field of three or more candidates, in order of preference.
That way, if no candidate receives 50 percent of the vote and your preferred candidate has the lowest number of votes, your other two votes will be tallied for other candidates of your choice who are in the running until one of them reaches the 50 percent threshold to win.
For some school board races with multiple open seats, voters can select district-wide, at-large candidates equal to the number of seats up for election. For school district-specific races, voters will only be able to vote for the candidates running in their school district area. Whichever candidates get the most votes will win the school board seats.
Changes in state law increase number of eligible voters
This year, the state legislature passed several laws to allow more people to vote, as well as expand the time period when people can vote. Those who have been convicted of a felony can vote regardless of whether or not they are on parole. Those convicted of a felony and are currently incarcerated still cannot vote.