Ranked voting

Definition

Ranked voting is a voting method in which voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than choosing just one. The rankings are used to determine the winner through a process of elimination or points allocation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ranked choice voting can help eliminate the 'spoiler effect' by ensuring votes for less popular candidates are redistributed based on voter preferences.
2. In an instant-runoff election, if no candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are redistributed until one candidate has a majority.
3. Borda count is another ranked voting method where points are assigned based on the position each candidate is ranked by each voter.
4. Ranked voting systems can be more complex to administer and count compared to traditional plurality systems.
5. Some well-known examples of ranked voting include Australia's federal elections and Ireland's presidential elections.

Review Questions

• How does ranked choice voting help mitigate the 'spoiler effect'?
• What happens in an instant-runoff election if no candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes?
• What is one key difference between Borda count and instant-runoff voting?

Related terms

Plurality Voting: A system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they have a majority

Instant-Runoff Voting (IRV): A type of ranked choice voting where voters rank candidates, and losers are sequentially eliminated until one candidate has a majority

Borda Count: A ranking method where voters assign points based on rank positions, and the candidate with the highest total points wins