Ranked choice voting explained

What is ranked choice voting?

Ranked choice voting (RCV), also known as instant-runoff voting, is a voting system where voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on the next preference on each ballot. This process repeats until one candidate has a majority.

How does ranked choice voting work?

In ranked choice voting, voters list candidates in order of preference: first, second, third, and so on. When the votes are counted, if a candidate receives a majority of first-preference votes, they win outright. If no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated. The votes cast for the eliminated candidate are then redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the second preferences on those ballots. This process continues until one candidate has a majority.

Worked example

Let’s consider a simple example to illustrate how RCV works. Suppose there are three candidates: Alice, Bob, and Charlie, and 100 voters. The results of the first-preference votes are as follows:

• Alice: 45 votes
• Bob: 30 votes
• Charlie: 25 votes

Since no candidate has a majority (50+ votes), the candidate with the fewest votes, Charlie, is eliminated. The 25 votes cast for Charlie are then redistributed based on the second preferences of those ballots. Suppose that:

• 15 of Charlie’s voters listed Alice as their second preference
• 10 of Charlie’s voters listed Bob as their second preference

After redistribution, the new vote totals are:

• Alice: 45 + 15 = 60 votes
• Bob: 30 + 10 = 40 votes

Alice now has a majority and is declared the winner.

When does ranked choice voting beat first-past-the-post?

Ranked choice voting has several advantages over the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, especially in scenarios where there are multiple candidates and no clear majority winner.

1. Majority Support

In FPTP, a candidate can win with a plurality of votes, even if they do not have a majority. This can lead to situations where the winner is not the most preferred candidate by the electorate. RCV ensures that the winner has a majority of support by eliminating candidates and redistributing votes until a majority is achieved.

2. Reduction of Strategic Voting

In FPTP, voters may feel compelled to vote strategically, choosing a candidate who is not their first choice but has a better chance of winning, rather than their preferred candidate. RCV reduces the need for strategic voting because voters can rank their choices without fear that their vote will be wasted on a less popular candidate.

3. Encouragement of Diverse Candidates

RCV encourages a more diverse field of candidates because it reduces the “spoiler effect,” where similar candidates split the vote and allow a less popular candidate to win. In RCV, voters can support multiple candidates without fear of splitting the vote, which can lead to a more representative outcome.

4. Better Representation of Voter Preferences

RCV provides a more accurate reflection of voter preferences because it takes into account second and third choices. This can be particularly beneficial in multi-party systems or in elections with multiple candidates from the same party.

How to implement ranked choice voting

Implementing RCV involves several steps, from voter education to ballot design and vote counting. Here are the key steps:

1. Voter Education: Educate voters on how to rank candidates and the process of vote redistribution. This can be done through public campaigns, informational materials, and community outreach.
2. Ballot Design: Design ballots that allow voters to rank candidates. This can be done using numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) or letters (A, B, C, etc.). The design should be clear and easy to understand.
3. Vote Counting: Implement a system for counting votes and redistributing them based on voter preferences. This can be done manually or with the help of software. OXPoll offers a simple platform for creating and counting ranked choice polls: create a poll.
4. Runoff Rounds: Conduct runoff rounds by eliminating the candidate with the fewest votes and redistributing their votes based on second preferences. Repeat this process until a candidate has a majority.
5. Declaration of Winner: Once a candidate has a majority, declare them the winner.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ranked choice voting and instant-runoff voting?

Both terms refer to the same voting system. “Ranked choice voting” is the general term, while “instant-runoff voting” is a specific implementation of RCV that uses runoff rounds to determine the winner.

Can ranked choice voting be used in multi-winner elections?

Yes, RCV can be used in multi-winner elections. In this case, it is often called “single transferable vote” (STV). The process is similar, but the threshold for winning is adjusted based on the number of seats to be filled.

Is ranked choice voting used in the United States?

Yes, RCV is used in several cities and states in the United States, including Maine, San Francisco, and Minneapolis. It is also used in other countries, such as Australia and Ireland.

Conclusion

Ranked choice voting is a powerful tool for ensuring that elections reflect the true preferences of the electorate. By allowing voters to rank candidates and redistributing votes until a majority is achieved, RCV provides a more representative and fair outcome than the first-past-the-post system. Whether you’re a voter, a candidate, or an election administrator, understanding RCV is essential for participating in modern democratic processes. If you’re interested in trying out RCV for your next group decision, consider using a platform like OXPoll to create and manage your poll.