A.__The first choice marked on each ballot must be counted initially by the election officials.__The ballot count is the same as the count that would occur if voters participated in a series of run-off elections, with the weakest candidate eliminated after each round of counting.

B.__In every round of counting, each ballot is counted as one vote for that ballot's highest-ranked advancing candidate.__"Advancing candidate" means a candidate for an office who has not been eliminated.__If more than 2 candidates have received votes after the initial round of counting, the Secretary of State shall conduct an instant run-off round.__In this instant run-off round, the Secretary of State shall eliminate the candidate with the fewest votes.__A ballot that ranks this eliminated candidate as the highest-ranked candidate must be counted as a vote for the highest-ranked advancing candidate on that ballot.__This process of counting votes and eliminating the candidate with the fewest votes must continue until 2 candidates remain.__The candidate with the most votes then must be declared the winner.

C.__If a ballot has no more available choices ranked on it, that ballot must be declared exhausted.__A ballot that skips one number must be counted for that voter's next clearly indicated choice, but a ballot that skips more than one number must be declared exhausted when this skipping of numbers is reached.__A ballot with the same number for 2 or more candidates must be declared exhausted when these double numbers are reached.

D.__For ties between candidates occurring at any stage in the tabulation, determinations must be made based on whomever was credited with the most votes at the previous stage of tabulation.__In the case of any tie to which a previous stage does not apply, the tie must be resolved in accordance with the general election laws of the State.

2.__Change of voting method.__The legislative body of a municipality or election authorities may provide for the use of mechanical, electronic or other devices for marking, sorting and counting the ballots and tabulating the results and may modify the form of the ballots, the directions to voters and the details with respect to the method of marking, sorting, counting, invalidating and retaining ballots and the tabulating and