Ranked ballot

Definition

A ranked ballot allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. This method helps ensure that the winner has broad support among voters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ranked ballots are used in voting methods like Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) and Single Transferable Vote (STV).
2. A candidate must receive a majority of first-preference votes to win outright.
3. If no candidate receives a majority, the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated, and those votes are transferred to the next preference on those ballots.
4. This process continues until one candidate achieves a majority.
5. Ranked ballots help reduce the impact of tactical voting and mitigate the 'spoiler effect.'

Review Questions

• What happens if no candidate achieves a majority of first-preference votes in a ranked ballot system?
• How does a ranked ballot reduce the impact of tactical voting?
• Which voting methods commonly use ranked ballots?

Related terms

Instant Runoff Voting (IRV): A voting method where voters rank candidates by preference, and candidates are eliminated in rounds until one achieves a majority.

Single Transferable Vote (STV): A proportional representation method using ranked ballots where votes are transferred based on voter preferences until all seats are filled.

Spoiler Effect: Occurs when a minor candidate's participation changes the outcome of an election by splitting votes between similar candidates.