'If You Can Keep It': The Realities Of Ranked Choice Voting
Digest
This podcast delves into the complex world of ranked choice voting (RCV) and its specific form, final five voting. The discussion begins with an overview of RCV's mechanics and its growing presence in various states and cities. The panel of experts, including Tabitha Mueller, Catherine Gale, and Trent England, represent diverse perspectives on the issue. The podcast focuses on Nevada's ballot measure proposing RCV and open primaries, with Mueller explaining its details and potential impact. Gale, CEO of the National Campaign for Final Five Voting, elaborates on the concept of final five voting, highlighting its potential benefits like increased competition and voter choice. England, executive director of Save Our States, expresses concerns about RCV, arguing it complicates voting, doesn't fulfill its promises, and could lead to lower voter confidence. The podcast then explores voter perspectives on RCV, showcasing both its potential to empower voters and concerns about its complexity. Gale clarifies the distinction between RCV and final five voting, emphasizing the latter's comprehensive approach. Mueller discusses Nevada's voting landscape, highlighting the growing number of nonpartisan voters and the desire for more choices. She also reveals the funding and opposition to the ballot measure, including concerns about confusion and potential errors. The podcast explores the potential for gaming RCV systems, citing examples from Maine and Alaska. Rachel Oom, a state politics reporter in Maine, provides insights into the implementation and impact of RCV in her state, highlighting its benefits and challenges. Gale compares Maine's RCV system to Nevada's proposed final five voting system, emphasizing their different goals. She clarifies the purpose of final five voting, arguing it aims to change what winners do, incentivizing them to solve problems and work across the aisle. The podcast includes international perspectives on RCV from listeners in Australia, highlighting its effectiveness and addressing concerns about its complexity. It also explores the role of political parties, with England expressing concerns about their weakening due to reforms like open primaries and RCV. The podcast concludes with each panelist offering a takeaway message about RCV and final five voting. Gale emphasizes the importance of competition in politics, while England reiterates his concerns about the system's complexity and lack of effectiveness.
Outlines
Introduction and Overview of Ranked Choice Voting
The podcast introduces the topic of ranked choice voting, explaining its mechanics and its growing presence in various states and cities. It sets the stage for a discussion about the potential benefits and drawbacks of this electoral system.
Introducing the Panel of Experts
The podcast introduces the panel of experts who will be discussing ranked choice voting. These experts include Tabitha Mueller, Catherine Gale, and Trent England, each representing different perspectives on the issue.
Nevada's Ballot Measure and Final Five Voting
The podcast focuses on Nevada's ballot measure, which proposes to implement ranked choice voting and open primaries. Tabitha Mueller, a Nevada-based reporter, explains the details of the measure and its potential impact on the state's elections. Catherine Gale, CEO of the National Campaign for Final Five Voting, explains the concept of "final five voting," a specific form of ranked choice voting that would be implemented in Nevada if the ballot measure passes. She highlights the potential benefits of this system, such as increased competition and voter choice.
Concerns and Perspectives on Ranked Choice Voting
The podcast explores concerns about ranked choice voting, with Trent England, executive director of Save Our States, arguing that it complicates the voting process, doesn't live up to its promises, and could lead to lower voter confidence and participation. The podcast also shares the perspectives of voters who have expressed their opinions on ranked choice voting, highlighting both its potential to empower voters and concerns about its complexity.
Keywords
Ranked Choice Voting
An electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority, the lowest vote-getter is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on voters' second choices, continuing until a candidate reaches a majority.
Final Five Voting
A specific form of ranked choice voting where the top five candidates from an open primary advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. This system aims to increase competition and voter choice.
Open Primary
A primary election where voters can choose to vote in any party's primary, regardless of their own party affiliation. This allows for greater participation and potentially reduces the influence of party insiders.
Spoiler Effect
The phenomenon where a third-party or independent candidate draws votes away from a major party candidate, potentially affecting the outcome of an election. Ranked choice voting can mitigate this effect by allowing voters to rank their preferences.
Voter Fatigue
A state of exhaustion or disinterest in voting, often caused by long ballots, complex voting systems, or a lack of compelling candidates. This can lead to lower voter turnout and potentially undermine the democratic process.
Outside Money
Political contributions from individuals or organizations that are not directly affiliated with a candidate or political party. This can include donations from corporations, unions, or wealthy individuals, and it can have a significant influence on elections.
Polarization
The increasing division and hostility between opposing political groups. This can make it difficult to find common ground and compromise, leading to gridlock and a decline in political discourse.
Exchange Rate Problem
The imbalance between the value of votes and the value of money in politics. When elections are seen as predetermined, the value of a vote decreases, while the value of money increases, leading to a system where money can have an undue influence.
Q&A
How does ranked choice voting work, and what are its potential benefits?
Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority, the lowest vote-getter is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on voters' second choices, continuing until a candidate reaches a majority. This system can help to avoid the spoiler effect, increase voter choice, and potentially lead to more moderate candidates.
What are the main concerns about ranked choice voting, and how do proponents respond to these concerns?
Critics argue that ranked choice voting complicates the voting process, doesn't live up to its promises, and could lead to lower voter confidence and participation. Proponents counter that the system is not overly complex, that it can lead to more representative outcomes, and that it can actually increase voter engagement by giving them more choices and a stronger voice.
How does final five voting differ from ranked choice voting, and what are its unique advantages?
Final five voting is a specific form of ranked choice voting that combines an open primary with a general election where the top five candidates, regardless of party affiliation, compete. This system aims to create more competition and accountability in general elections, forcing candidates to appeal to a broader electorate and potentially reducing the influence of special interest groups.
What is the role of political parties in the debate over ranked choice voting and final five voting?
Some argue that ranked choice voting and final five voting weaken political parties, which are essential for mediating institutions and building durable coalitions. Others believe that these systems can actually strengthen parties by giving them more control over the nomination process and incentivizing them to field more competitive candidates.
How does the influence of outside money factor into the debate over ranked choice voting and final five voting?
Critics argue that these systems would exacerbate the influence of outside money in politics, leading to increased polarization and a decline in democratic representation. Proponents counter that these systems would actually reduce the influence of money by raising the value of votes and making it more difficult for money to buy elections.
Show Notes
When voting is over, a process of elimination takes place. The lowest vote-getter in the first round is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to higher vote-getters, according to how voters ranked the other candidates. The process continues until you end up with a winner. Ranked choice voting systems are already in place for some races in Alaska, Maine, and cities like Minneapolis and New York City.
What's driving reformers to push for these ranked choice voting systems in more states? And how are voters responding?
Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
Table of contents
United States
