Third party voting and instant runoff voting

dixieflatline · 08-20-2004, 01:56 PM

With some talk about changing the electoral college and comments that it has been a while since a candidate got 50% of the general vote I thought I'd start this simple poll. With the country very polarized, I fully expect there to be fewer votes for third parties this year than in previous years. But if we had an instant runoff voting system setup in each state I would expect record number of people to vote third party. If you aren't familiar with how instant runoff voting works here is a quick faq hxxp://www.fairvote.org/irv/faq.htm
This would allow people to vote for a third party and still have a voice in the Bush or Kerry question. I know we have some people here who like the ideas some third parties have but are worried their vote would be "wasted" if they don't vote Kerry or Bush. I am curious to see how this turns out and also if you would like to comment on the idea of instant runoff voting you can do so here.

cthomer5000 · 08-20-2004, 02:03 PM

I vote third party anyway.

sovereignstar · 08-20-2004, 02:08 PM

How about a 5-3-1 system? Mr. Sproles got screwed last election.

Fritz · 08-20-2004, 02:09 PM

I think it is a poor idea to let people vote for 2 candidates, which is what the runoff system you ask about seems to allow.

Huckleberry · 08-20-2004, 02:14 PM

Why is it a poor idea?

JonInMiddleGA · 08-20-2004, 02:51 PM

Heaven's no ... I've rarely seen a third-party candidate that I considered anything more than a member of an even more lunatic fringe.

GrantDawg · 08-20-2004, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Heaven's no ... I've rarely seen a third-party candidate that I considered anything more than a member of an even more lunatic fringe.

Ditto.

sabotai · 08-20-2004, 03:02 PM

I hate the idea of a runoff.

View Poll Results: Would you vote a third party first on your ballot if we had instant runoff voting?
yes	5	50.00%
no	5	50.00%
Voters: 10. You may not vote on this poll

08-20-2004, 02:09 PM	#4
Fritz Lethargic Hooligan Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing	I think it is a poor idea to let people vote for 2 candidates, which is what the runoff system you ask about seems to allow. __________________ donkey, donkey, walk a little faster Last edited by Fritz : 08-20-2004 at 02:12 PM.

08-20-2004, 02:14 PM	#5
Huckleberry College Starter Join Date: Dec 2001	Why is it a poor idea? __________________ The one thing all your failed relationships have in common is you. The Barking Carnival (Longhorn-centered sports blog) College Football Adjusted Stats and Ratings

08-20-2004, 02:51 PM	#6
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	Heaven's no ... I've rarely seen a third-party candidate that I considered anything more than a member of an even more lunatic fringe. __________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

08-20-2004, 02:08 PM	#3
sovereignstar Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2004	How about a 5-3-1 system? Mr. Sproles got screwed last election.

08-20-2004, 03:02 PM	#8
sabotai General Manager Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Satellite of Love	I hate the idea of a runoff.

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