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Does ranked-choice voting actually improve democracy?

Allene Lambswood

Ranked-choice voting, also known as instant-runoff voting or preferential voting, has gained popularity in recent years as a potential solution to the shortcomings of the traditional electoral system. Proponents argue that it promotes greater participation, discourages negative campaigning, and yields more representative outcomes. Yet, the question remains whether ranked-choice voting actually improves democracy.

At its core, democracy is about allowing people to express their preferences and have their voices heard. Traditional voting methods have often failed to live up to this ideal, as they can result in the election of officials who are not supported by a majority of the electorate, and often exclude third-party or independent candidates whose presence could enrich the public discourse. Ranked-choice voting aims to address these issues by allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference, rather than simply selecting one.

One of the main advantages of ranked-choice voting is that it encourages candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters. Rather than simply relying on their base of supporters, candidates must also seek out second and third choice votes from those who may not have initially supported them. As a result, candidates are incentivized to be more moderate, and less polarizing, in their campaigns. This not only leads to a more civil discourse, but also gives voters more options from which to choose.

Furthermore, ranked-choice voting can produce more representative outcomes, as candidates who may not have won under a traditional system can benefit from second and third-choice support. This can be especially beneficial for minority candidates, who may not have the resources or name recognition to compete on a level playing field. In addition, ranked-choice voting can eliminate the so-called spoiler effect, in which third-party candidates split the vote and essentially hand the election to the candidate with the most devoted base of support. By allowing voters to rank their choices, ranked-choice voting ensures that these candidates can participate without fear of being a spoiler.

However, despite its many advantages, ranked-choice voting is not a panacea for all of our democratic ills. For one thing, it can be more complex and difficult to understand than traditional voting methods, which can lead to lower participation rates and voter confusion. Additionally, ranked-choice voting can take longer to tabulate and certify than traditional voting methods, which can delay the announcement of results and erode public confidence in the process.

Ultimately, whether ranked-choice voting improves democracy depends on how it is implemented and used. If it is accompanied by educational campaigns and robust public debate, it has the potential to increase engagement and representation in our electoral system. However, if it is rushed or forced upon voters without adequate explanation, it could further erode trust in our democratic institutions.

In conclusion, ranked-choice voting is not a silver bullet that will automatically improve democracy. It is simply one tool that can be used to address some of the shortcomings of our current system. By encouraging broader participation and more representative outcomes, it has the potential to improve the quality of our democracy. However, its success will ultimately depend on how it is introduced and used, as well as the public’s willingness to embrace it.