Approval voting

Definition

Approval voting is a voting method where each voter can select (or 'approve') as many candidates as they like in an election. Unlike traditional voting systems where voters can only select one candidate, this approach allows for a more expressive and inclusive way to gauge voter preferences, contributing to collective decision-making by reflecting broader support for multiple options.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Approval voting helps to identify candidates who have the broadest appeal among voters, as multiple approvals can indicate wider support.
2. This system can reduce strategic voting, as voters are less likely to feel pressured to vote only for a perceived 'front-runner'.
3. In approval voting, if two candidates receive the same number of approvals, ties are typically resolved by predefined rules or additional rounds.
4. Many organizations and some governmental bodies have adopted approval voting for elections due to its simplicity and effectiveness in reflecting voter preferences.
5. Research has shown that approval voting often leads to outcomes that better represent the electorate's true preferences compared to traditional single-choice methods.

Review Questions

• How does approval voting differ from traditional single-choice voting systems, and what implications does this have for voter expression?
  • Approval voting allows voters to approve multiple candidates instead of choosing just one. This difference enhances voter expression by enabling individuals to indicate support for more than one option, reflecting their true preferences. In contrast, traditional voting might lead voters to choose a candidate they perceive as having a better chance of winning rather than their actual preferred choice, often resulting in underrepresentation of minority opinions.
• Discuss how approval voting could potentially influence the outcomes of elections compared to plurality voting systems.
  • Approval voting can lead to more representative outcomes by capturing broader support for candidates. In plurality voting systems, a candidate can win without achieving majority support, often marginalizing alternative voices. Approval voting mitigates this issue by allowing voters to express approval for all candidates they support, which can result in an outcome that better reflects the electorate's preferences and can elevate less conventional candidates who might not win in a plurality scenario.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of approval voting within the context of collective decision-making processes.
  • Approval voting has several strengths in collective decision-making, including its ability to capture diverse preferences and reduce strategic voting. However, it also has weaknesses, such as potentially leading to less clear outcomes if there are many candidates with similar levels of support. Furthermore, while it encourages broad approval, it may not always guarantee that the most preferred candidate is elected if voters approve multiple candidates without clear ranking. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effectively implementing approval voting in various electoral settings.

Related terms

Condorcet method: A voting system that elects the candidate who would win a one-on-one election against each of the other candidates, highlighting the most broadly supported option.

Ranked choice voting: A voting system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, which can help ensure that the elected candidate has broader support among the electorate.

Plurality voting: A voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority, often leading to a 'winner-takes-all' outcome.