OPINION: Democrats Discuss — We should consider ranked-choice voting

Julianna Rittenberg is a first-year Honors Tutorial College student and a political science major. She is also a member of the Ohio University College Democrats. The following article reflects the opinions and views of the author and does not represent the thoughts of the Ohio University College Democrats.

This is a submitted column. Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.

Ranked-choice voting has become a commonly discussed term in recent elections. Many support the switch to this electoral system. So what is it and why are election reformists calling for more states to join the ever-growing list of those using it? 

Ranked-choice voting is the system in which voters rank candidates instead of choosing one. If there are five candidates in a primary election, voters rank the candidates one through five, favorite to least. If a candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, they are elected. If none of the candidates cross this margin, the least popular candidate is eliminated. Instead of the votes for the least popular candidate being discounted, the ballots from the people who voted for the defeated candidate now become votes for their second-favorite candidate. This process is repeated until a candidate crosses the 50% line. 

According to FairVote, a non-partisan group that advocates for election reform, 20 areas in the United States use ranked-choice voting as of September 2021. This includes Alaska and Maine, as well as several counties and cities around the country. Outside the United States, both Australia and New Zealand use the electoral system. 

One of the many benefits of ranked-choice voting is that the system yields more diverse candidates. Often, more women and candidates of color run in and win elections. A study conducted in 2018 by a panel of experts, including the former director of FairVote, demonstrates that women of all intersectional identities, both candidates and voters, benefit from a ranked-choice voting system. 

Other benefits include less negative campaign tactics, as voters rank candidates with negative campaign styles lower on the ballot. Additionally, ranked-choice voting typically results in higher voter turnout, according to a study done in 2016 at the University of Missouri‐St Louis. Another study done in June 2021 by the University of Wisconsin and the University of Iowa found ranked-choice voting increases youth turnout. Overall, this system makes voters feel that their voices are being heard; if their favorite candidate does not win, at least their votes can be applied to their second or third choice.

At the end of the process, the elected candidate tends to be more popular. The system also allows voters to vote their conscience. They can truly select the candidate they want, even third-party candidates, without feeling as if their vote was wasted. 

Our country needs election reform, and with ranked-choice voting as a viable option used around the world, it is time for the U.S. to consider adopting this system. 

I, for one, am tired. I am tired of trying to convince my peers that voting is important. I am tired of candidates that are hard to get excited about. I am tired of candidates making promises only to get through an election. Switching to a system that increases diversity in our government and is more likely to elect the most popular candidate is a step in the right direction. It is a step we as a country need to make.