Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is like our current voting system, where most votes determine the winner. But unlike the current electoral system, the “Rank” voting system we’re trying to implement is an instant-runoff voting system. This means if there is no majority first winner then the second choice will be considered. And if there is still no majority winner the 3rd choice will continue this pattern until the winner is determined.
Implementing an instant-runoff voting system gives the liberty to choose more than one candidate. This means even if your first choice doesn’t win, your second and third choice has a chance at winning. Which also implies the freedom to choose someone outside the main two political parties that you feel would be a better fit. Making this voting system more accommodating for voters who align with third parties instead of being forced to pick from the top two.
With having a majority two party government system there is very little choice in candidates, which affects voter numbers. From the great debate of presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H W Bush, Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, to now Joe Biden. The voters are either not voting, have only two options or votes aren’t counted when voting for a third party.
And during each of these presidents’ run and in-office term there are still great division amongst the voters. From either standing with the candidate or wishing for someone more competent that will be successful in moving our nation forward. But having such little power in choices makes it harder for old and current voters to reach common ground. It’s even discouraging the younger generation to vote. Having a Rank Choice Voting system will return the power to the voters with giving more options to choose from.
Since there’s more choices it’s understandable to get overwhelmed. Especially when political news does not cover all candidates outside the two-party system. This would imply that one would need to do their own research on ALL candidates in every party. Which may discourage some voting due to needing to seek out information on your own. But that is not the goal.
This system is to encourage those with lack of knowledge to venture out to new opportunities. Also encourage younger voters the pride of making a difference for our country. There’s also the notion your voice might not matter due to the instant-runoff system if your first choice didn’t win the first time or if you made an error on your ballot. But this isn’t true. The fact you showed up and put the effort into voting makes more of a difference than not voting at all. Power in numbers always wins. This voting system is to encourage non-voters, new voters, and voters whose political views change over time, the chance to vote for candidates they stand by.
There will always be drawbacks when implementing a new system. But without trying we won’t see where we can improve. We witness how the old system has failed us during January 6th. An event that shouldn’t have happened “allegedly” in part due to our former president. This could have never occurred if there were opportunities and options to pick more than one candidate by preference and a different party. Yet, thanks to his election, more people are aware of our electoral system. Which has more people interested in voting along with wanting to make the right choice. So, making our electoral system more accessible gives ways for higher voting turnouts.
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Resources and References
TikTok video sample of Rank Choice Voting: RCV with Legos
Xexiar 