Are you for or against ranked choice voting? Why?

I am for it. It ultimately presents the least objectionable candidate. I think it would really temper the extremes and possibly even break down limited party systems to free up more electoral choices.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

Abstraction · 61-69, M

Absolutely for it. In Australia we call it preferential and we also have compulsory voting. Both work exceptionally well.
We have two very strong parties that have their policies bought out by large commercial interests - in the last election people finally worked out that with preferential voting you can vote for a minor party or independent without wasting your vote. That's because if they don't get in your vote will then go to your preferred party. It has resulted in many independent voices who represent the issues ordinary Australians support. We're seeing policies that help the ordinary battlers instead of massive welfare payments to large corporations and fossil fuel interests.

Graylight · 51-55, F

@Abstraction Interesting. Thanks for that insight. Would you say that's the general attitude or are perspectives on preferential voting mixed?

Abstraction · 61-69, M

@Graylight
Preferential: 'General' I don't know about other countries. But in Australia we appear to like our voting system based on all interactions and discussions I've encountered during my life but I have not seen formal surveys. I've never heard any movement to abolish it. Without preferential voting it's possible for a candidate that is despised by a majority of the population to win their seat because the vote of those against this candidate is split by multiple other candidates. Is that person therefore legitimate? This can't happen with preferential voting.
Compulsory voting: Neither have there been moves to abolish compulsory voting. People who aren't interested either donkey vote or just post and empty ballot. However, the levels of correct votes are very high (much higher than voter turnout in other countries), showing that compulsory voting results in higher participation in democracy and therefore greater legitimacy of the election winners.