Ranked-choice voting

Definition

Ranked-choice voting is an electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than choosing just one. This method allows for more nuanced voter preferences and aims to ensure that the winning candidate has broad support, which can positively affect voter turnout by making elections feel more inclusive and representative. It impacts electoral systems by changing how votes are counted and can lead to different outcomes compared to traditional voting methods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ranked-choice voting can increase voter turnout by allowing individuals to vote for their preferred candidate without fear of wasting their vote.
2. This system encourages more diverse candidates to run for office since they can appeal to a broader range of voters.
3. In ranked-choice voting, if a voter's top choice is eliminated, their vote automatically goes to their next choice, ensuring their voice is still heard.
4. Several jurisdictions have adopted ranked-choice voting in recent years, notably in places like San Francisco and Maine, to promote fairer election outcomes.
5. Ranked-choice voting can lead to less negative campaigning as candidates aim to be a second or third choice for more voters.

Review Questions

• How does ranked-choice voting potentially influence voter turnout compared to traditional voting methods?
  • Ranked-choice voting can influence voter turnout by allowing voters to express their preferences for multiple candidates without the fear of wasting their vote. This system makes elections feel more inclusive, as individuals may feel empowered to vote for third-party or lesser-known candidates, knowing that their second or third choices will still be counted if their top choice is eliminated. By fostering a sense of participation and representation, ranked-choice voting encourages more individuals to engage in the electoral process.
• Discuss the effects of ranked-choice voting on electoral systems and candidate behavior during campaigns.
  • Ranked-choice voting affects electoral systems by changing how votes are counted and potentially altering the outcomes of elections. It encourages candidates to campaign more positively, as they aim not only to be a voter's first choice but also their second or third choice. This often leads to more collaborative campaigning and less negative advertising since candidates are motivated to appeal to a wider audience, ultimately contributing to a healthier political discourse.
• Evaluate the implications of implementing ranked-choice voting in terms of its impact on political representation and electoral fairness.
  • Implementing ranked-choice voting has significant implications for political representation and electoral fairness. By allowing voters to rank multiple candidates, this system ensures that elected officials have broader support among constituents. It reduces the chances of 'spoiler' candidates splitting the vote, leading to outcomes that better reflect the electorate's preferences. As a result, ranked-choice voting can enhance democratic legitimacy by making elections more equitable and reflective of diverse viewpoints within the population.

Related terms

Majority Rule: A principle that states that the candidate receiving more than half of the votes wins the election.

Preference Ballot: A type of ballot used in ranked-choice voting where voters indicate their preferences for multiple candidates.

Instant-Runoff Voting: A specific implementation of ranked-choice voting where if no candidate receives a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and votes are redistributed based on the next preferences.