Tactical voting

Definition

Tactical voting occurs when voters choose a candidate not because they are their first choice, but to prevent an undesirable outcome, typically to avoid the election of a less preferred candidate. This practice often arises in electoral systems where multiple candidates compete, and a voter's preferred choice has little chance of winning. Voters strategically align their votes to maximize the likelihood of their most favorable outcome under the given electoral circumstances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tactical voting often occurs in first-past-the-post electoral systems where voters feel compelled to support a viable candidate rather than their true preference.
2. Voters may engage in tactical voting to avoid splitting the vote between similar candidates, which can lead to an unexpected loss for their favored option.
3. This behavior can distort election results, as the true preferences of the electorate may not be accurately represented due to strategic decisions.
4. Tactical voting is more common in competitive races where multiple candidates have substantial support, making it crucial for voters to consider the likelihood of each candidate's success.
5. Some voters might publicly support one candidate while tactically voting for another in private, creating a disconnect between public opinion polls and actual election outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does tactical voting influence the choices made by voters in competitive elections?
  • Tactical voting influences voter choices by compelling individuals to prioritize electability over personal preference. In competitive elections, where there are multiple candidates, voters may opt for a less preferred but more viable candidate to avoid inadvertently supporting a candidate they dislike. This strategic behavior alters the way voters assess candidates, shifting focus from personal alignment to the probability of impacting the election outcome.
• Evaluate the implications of tactical voting on the overall fairness and representation within an electoral system.
  • The implications of tactical voting can be significant for fairness and representation in an electoral system. It may result in elected officials who do not truly reflect the majority's preferences since voters are opting for tactical choices rather than genuine favorites. This can lead to a sense of disillusionment among voters who feel their true voices are not being heard and may perpetuate a cycle where only certain candidates are seen as viable options, further entrenching tactical behaviors in future elections.
• Discuss how the presence of tactical voting might alter strategic campaigning by political candidates and parties.
  • The presence of tactical voting can greatly alter how candidates and parties strategize their campaigns. Candidates may choose to focus on positioning themselves as the most viable alternative rather than presenting their original platform or policies. They might also aim to discourage third-party candidacies that could siphon votes away from them. Additionally, political parties may adjust their messaging and alliances to encourage tactical voting among supporters, creating a landscape where electoral strategies become heavily influenced by voter behavior rather than policy-driven campaigns.

Related terms

Duverger's Law:

A principle that asserts single-member district electoral systems tend to favor a two-party system, influencing voters' choices and encouraging tactical voting.

Spoiler Effect: A phenomenon where a candidate who is unlikely to win takes votes away from a leading candidate, potentially allowing a less popular candidate to win.

Electoral System: The method used to calculate the number of elected representatives in elections, which significantly influences voter behavior, including the prevalence of tactical voting.