The benefits of ranked choice voting

explain the benefits of ranked choice voting, it's origins, it's use in other countries, and the organizations that support it in the united states.


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Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is an electoral system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than casting a single vote for a single candidate. The benefits of ranked-choice voting include promoting more representative outcomes, reducing the negative effects of vote splitting, encouraging positive campaigning, and giving voters more choices.

  1. Promotes more representative outcomes: RCV helps ensure that elected candidates have majority support. If no candidate receives an outright majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the voters' subsequent preferences. This process continues until one candidate reaches a majority. It ensures that the ultimate winner is preferred by a majority of voters, reducing the likelihood of minority-supported candidates winning.

  2. Reduces the negative effects of vote splitting: RCV mitigates the problem of vote splitting, where multiple similar candidates divide a voting bloc, leading to the victory of a less-preferred candidate. With ranked-choice voting, voters can rank their favorite candidate as their first choice without worrying about "wasting" their vote. Even if their first-choice candidate is eliminated, their vote transfers to their next preferred candidate, allowing them to express their preferences fully.

  3. Encourages positive campaigning: RCV encourages candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters and build coalitions, as they need to attract second- and third-choice preferences. This can reduce negative campaigning and encourage candidates to focus on policy issues and collaboration rather than attacking opponents. RCV promotes a more civil and constructive electoral environment.

  4. Provides voters with more choices: RCV empowers voters to support their preferred candidates without fearing the "spoiler effect." It allows voters to express their preferences for multiple candidates and incentivizes candidates from diverse backgrounds to run without the fear of splitting the vote. RCV expands the range of choices available to voters and promotes a more inclusive democracy.

Origins of ranked-choice voting: Ranked-choice voting has historical roots dating back to the 19th century. The concept was developed independently in multiple countries. However, the modern form of RCV, as used today, has its origins in the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system developed by Thomas Hare and Carl Andrae in the late 19th century. STV is a variant of ranked-choice voting that allows voters to rank candidates and transfers votes based on the surplus or elimination of candidates.


Use of ranked-choice voting in other countries: Ranked-choice voting is used in various countries around the world. Some notable examples include:

  1. Australia: Australia has used a form of ranked-choice voting called the "preferential voting" system since 1918. It is used in federal elections and most state and local elections.


  3. Ireland: Ireland uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) form of ranked-choice voting for its parliamentary elections. STV has been used in Ireland since the early 20th century.


  5. New Zealand: New Zealand introduced a mixed-member proportional representation system in 1996, which includes ranked-choice voting for electing members of Parliament.


  7. Malta: Malta also uses the Single Transferable Vote system for its parliamentary elections. It has been using ranked-choice voting since gaining independence in 1964.

Organizations supporting ranked-choice voting in the United States: In the United States, several organizations advocate for the implementation of ranked-choice voting. Some prominent examples include:

  1. FairVote: FairVote is a nonpartisan electoral reform organization that promotes ranked-choice voting and advocates for fair and inclusive elections.

  2. Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center: The Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center provides information, resources, and support for implementing ranked-choice voting in the United States. They work to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of RCV.

  3. The League of Women Voters: The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that supports electoral reforms, including ranked-choice voting, to enhance democratic processes and representation.

  4. RepresentUs: RepresentUs is a grassroots organization that supports ranked-choice voting as part of its broader mission to reduce the influence of money in politics and promote fair elections.

These organizations, along with others, actively work to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and help communities and states adopt ranked-choice voting in the United States.

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