It seems that every election cycle most Americans are unhappy with the choices. We end up making a “lesser of the evils” choice.
Perhaps, it is inevitable to feel like your options will always be suboptimal, but I would like to seek an alternative process that could yield better results. Rank choice voting might be that thing.
How does it work?
From Ballotpedia: A ranked-choice voting system is an electoral system in which voters rank candidates by preference on their ballots. If a candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, he or she is declared the winner. If no candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated. First-preference votes cast for the failed candidate are eliminated, lifting the second-preference choices indicated on those ballots. A new tally is conducted to determine whether any candidate has won a majority of the adjusted votes. The process is repeated until a candidate wins an outright majority.
It gives voters the power to state their preferences in more nuanced. Getting out of the habit of forcing either / or decisions. These are great things!
Rank choice voting would allow for 3rd parties to get greater visibility. How many times have you heard someone suggest that they are “throwing their vote away” by voting for a third party? I have said it myself. In ranked choice voting, you could rank your third party choice first, your major party choice second etc., etc. etc. Since, It is unlikely that a candidate will get 50%+ of the votes in the first round, your second and third choice may very well make a difference.
In a broader context, it simply allows you the freedom to vote your conscience, instead of voting for the lesser of evils. At least, that is how I see it.
Just my opinion. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
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