Ranked Choice Voting
What is Ranked Choice Voting?
Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), also known as instant-runoff voting or preferential voting, is an electoral system that enables voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than casting a vote for a single candidate. This method is particularly advantageous in elections where there are more than two candidates, as it often results in a winner who reflects a broader consensus of the electorate.
How Ranked Choice Voting Works
Ranking Candidates: On the ballot, voters see a list of candidates and have the option to rank them in order of preference: first, second, third, and so on. Voters can rank as many or as few candidates as they wish, depending on the rules of the particular election.
Counting Votes: Initially, only the first-choice votes are counted. If a candidate receives a majority (more than 50%) of these first-preference votes, they are declared the winner.
Redistributing Votes: If no candidate wins an outright majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Voters who selected the eliminated candidate as their first choice then have their votes reallocated to their second choice. This process of elimination and redistribution continues in subsequent rounds until one candidate secures a majority.
Final Result: The process ensures that the winning candidate has a majority support from the voters, reflecting a consensus among the electorate.
Benefits of Ranked Choice Voting
Reduces Negative Campaigning: Since candidates aim to gather not just first-choice votes but also second and third choices, there is an incentive to maintain a more positive, broad-appealing campaign to avoid alienating potential supporters.
Discourages Strategic Voting: Voters can honestly rank candidates according to their true preferences without worrying that their vote might be "wasted" on a less popular candidate. This reduces the need for voting strategically for a less preferred but more viable candidate.
Promotes Majority Support: By eliminating candidates in sequential rounds and redistributing their votes, RCV ensures that the winner has majority support. This is in contrast to the plurality system, where a candidate can win with less than majority support if the vote is split among many candidates.
Increases Voter Engagement: Knowing that their vote can still influence the outcome even if their top choice doesn’t win may encourage greater voter participation and satisfaction.
Supports Diverse Candidates: RCV can help diverse candidates who might otherwise struggle to overcome a split vote in a crowded field. It allows them to demonstrate broader appeal across different voter groups.