Impact of Ranked Choice Voting on Electoral Campaign Strategies

Ranked choice voting (RCV) is increasingly being discussed as a transformative approach to electoral competition. According to insights shared by a16z crypto, Peter Buisseret, an Assistant Professor of Government at Harvard University, delves into the comparative dynamics of electoral campaigns under traditional plurality rule versus RCV.

Comparative Analysis of Voting Systems

Buisseret's analysis highlights a fundamental question in political strategy: should candidates aim for a broad-based appeal or focus on targeted voter segments? Under plurality rule, a candidate with the most votes wins, often leading to strategies that concentrate on securing a specific voter base. Conversely, RCV, where voters rank candidates by preference, is presumed to encourage broader campaign strategies, as candidates vie for second and third-choice votes.

Buisseret identifies scenarios where RCV does indeed promote broader campaigns. However, he also notes that in contexts marked by deep partisan, ethnic, geographic, or cultural divides, RCV can paradoxically incentivize more targeted campaigning. The potential to capture second-preference votes from specific voter segments may encourage candidates to focus on niche electorates.

Theoretical and Real-World Implications

The research utilizes game theory to explore these electoral dynamics, offering a nuanced understanding of how political institutions shape candidate incentives. The findings suggest that while RCV has the potential to foster a more inclusive political discourse, its impact can vary significantly depending on the socio-political landscape.

Buisseret's broader research agenda encompasses electoral competition, legislative policymaking, and collective bargaining, with a focus on improving political and economic incentives through institutional design.

About a16z Crypto Research

a16z crypto research, the source of this analysis, is a multidisciplinary lab dedicated to advancing the science and technology of the internet's next generation. The lab collaborates with portfolio companies and other stakeholders to address key challenges in the crypto space.

For further insights, the original content can be accessed on a16z crypto.