An Analysis of Various Election Methods

An anonymous reader writes "David Cobb talked about Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) as the best choice in electoral methods in his interview here, but is it really? The folks over at electionmethods.org seem to think it isn't. They favor Condorcet voting, which is another ranking style method using simulated one on one elections. Here is an evaluation of various methods, including IRV and Condorcet."

Comments

Re:Must explain in one sentence or less

[TPIRman]

I agree, citizens won't tolerate any complications in their voting system. Especially Americans, who are just too accustomed to the straightforward, ultra-simple, intuitive U.S. electoral college to comprehend anything complex.

Re:Must explain in one sentence or less

[NegativeOneUserID]

Much as we need a better system, it won't catch on if it can't be explained in one simple sentence.

I can do it in four....

1) Eenie meenie miney moe.
2) Catch a tiger by the toe.
3) If he squeals, let him go.
4) Eenie meenie miney moe.

Although I do feel this is the better system, you are probably right in saying the average american would find this confusing.

Re:Must explain in one sentence or less

[mikeophile]

Still though, this line really gives me the giggles.

The rules for determining the winner would be slightly more complicated than they are now, but they would be based on elementary mathematics and should be understandable by virtually anyone old enough to vote.

Oh how I wished I lived in this man's world.