The Jovian Worlds
23-10-2004, 17:22
Introduction:
While this poll is primarily a discussion for americans, I am highly interested in arguments from non americans regarding experiences with non-plurality voting systems.
With American voting systems, there are currently some attempts to replace our plurality voting system w/ an alternative system, such as Instant Runoff Voting or approval voting. Some constituencies within Washington State are attempting to get a measure on the ballot for 2005 to implement instant runoff voting. Should it pass, the end result would likely nullify the states' voice in future presidential elections. Please share your thoughts on the electoral system!
Instant Run-off: You choose your candidates in order of preference. The last choice does not get any vote weighted to them.
May reflect the preferences of voters more accurately. May lead to creating a far more politically diverse array of representation. May also favor less mainstream parties. Potential to make politicians more accountable to voters, and less accountable to dollars.
Approval Voting: You vote for all candidates you find acceptable. The candidate with the most approval wins the election.
May lead to more more centristism, compromise, and bi-partisanship in national elections.
Plurality: Our current voting system. You vote for a single candidate, winner take all.
Current experience shows plurality to be a money-heavy crap shoot, currently only marginally reflecting the actual interests of voters.
Implementation:
State-by-State
Politically feasible, but will lead to negative unintended consequences. Implementing in this fashion has the potential to revolutionize voting on local level and drastically change the outcome in national elections. However, if no other states implement changes, it has the potential to effectively nullify the states' voices in national (presidential) elections.
National
Less politically feasible (save a catastrophic Nov. 2nd). Would not risk creating a system where a states' voice in the national election could be nullified.
g.e./Gakl
Spokesbeast for TFPotJW
Delegate Emeritus of the DU
While this poll is primarily a discussion for americans, I am highly interested in arguments from non americans regarding experiences with non-plurality voting systems.
With American voting systems, there are currently some attempts to replace our plurality voting system w/ an alternative system, such as Instant Runoff Voting or approval voting. Some constituencies within Washington State are attempting to get a measure on the ballot for 2005 to implement instant runoff voting. Should it pass, the end result would likely nullify the states' voice in future presidential elections. Please share your thoughts on the electoral system!
Instant Run-off: You choose your candidates in order of preference. The last choice does not get any vote weighted to them.
May reflect the preferences of voters more accurately. May lead to creating a far more politically diverse array of representation. May also favor less mainstream parties. Potential to make politicians more accountable to voters, and less accountable to dollars.
Approval Voting: You vote for all candidates you find acceptable. The candidate with the most approval wins the election.
May lead to more more centristism, compromise, and bi-partisanship in national elections.
Plurality: Our current voting system. You vote for a single candidate, winner take all.
Current experience shows plurality to be a money-heavy crap shoot, currently only marginally reflecting the actual interests of voters.
Implementation:
State-by-State
Politically feasible, but will lead to negative unintended consequences. Implementing in this fashion has the potential to revolutionize voting on local level and drastically change the outcome in national elections. However, if no other states implement changes, it has the potential to effectively nullify the states' voices in national (presidential) elections.
National
Less politically feasible (save a catastrophic Nov. 2nd). Would not risk creating a system where a states' voice in the national election could be nullified.
g.e./Gakl
Spokesbeast for TFPotJW
Delegate Emeritus of the DU