Ranked choice voting

Definition

Ranked choice voting is an electoral system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one candidate. This method helps to ensure that the elected candidate has broader support, potentially leading to more representative outcomes in elections. By allowing voters to express their preferences more fully, ranked choice voting aims to reduce the impact of vote splitting and can encourage more diverse candidates to run.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ranked choice voting can eliminate the 'spoiler effect', where a candidate's presence can split the vote among similar candidates.
2. This voting system is used in various jurisdictions across the United States, including some cities and states, for elections like mayorships and congressional primaries.
3. Voters express their preferences by ranking candidates, and if no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are redistributed based on second choices.
4. Ranked choice voting has been shown to encourage more civil campaigning, as candidates seek to appeal to a broader audience for second-choice support.
5. It promotes voter engagement by allowing individuals to express nuanced preferences rather than feeling pressured to vote strategically for a front-runner.

Review Questions

• How does ranked choice voting address the issue of vote splitting in elections?
  • Ranked choice voting helps mitigate vote splitting by allowing voters to rank multiple candidates instead of choosing just one. If similar candidates are running, voters can rank their preferred candidate as their first choice while still indicating their support for another candidate as a second choice. This way, if their first choice doesn't have enough support and gets eliminated, their vote can still count towards their next preferred candidate, reducing the chances that a less popular candidate wins due to divided votes among similar options.
• In what ways does ranked choice voting potentially increase voter engagement compared to traditional voting systems?
  • Ranked choice voting can increase voter engagement by allowing people to express their preferences more fully. Instead of feeling forced to choose a single candidate who may not be their top preference due to fear of vote splitting, voters can rank candidates they like. This ability to express nuanced choices can lead to higher satisfaction with the electoral process and encourage more people to participate in elections, knowing their preferences will be considered even if their first choice is not successful.
• Evaluate the impact of ranked choice voting on the diversity of candidates who run for office and the overall electoral outcomes.
  • Ranked choice voting can significantly enhance the diversity of candidates in elections by reducing barriers for those who might otherwise be seen as 'spoilers'. With this system, candidates from various backgrounds or those representing niche interests may feel more empowered to run since voters can rank them without fear of wasting their vote. As a result, this system can lead to more inclusive electoral outcomes where elected officials better represent a broader spectrum of the electorate's views and experiences, ultimately enriching the political landscape.

Related terms

Plurality Voting: A voting system in which the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they achieve a majority.

Majority Rule: A principle where the candidate must receive more than half of the votes to win an election.

Vote Splitting: A situation where similar candidates draw votes away from each other, potentially allowing a less popular candidate to win.