Member-only story
If you were paying attention to the results in Maine during the 2018 election you may have noticed a unique development. Initially it appeared incumbent Bruce Poliquin (R) had once again triumphed, this time with a plurality rather than a majority. But the state had a trick up it’s sleeve in the form of recently passed ranked voting legislation that allowed for a second round of counting. After the would-be spoiler independent candidates were removed and voter’s second choices were counted the results were noticeably different. Jared Golden (D) had pulled ahead, receiving the majority of the second vote necessary to certify the election.
This is not an entirely new concept, at least ten States require run off electionsfor primaries and/or general elections to ensure one candidate receives over fifty-percent of the vote. However, these require entire new elections and they can be costly. Ranked ballots require only one election though it would mean voters would need a little more time in the voting booth. Also perhaps less immediate results if the first round doesn’t produce an outright majority.
But the benefits are clear, not only would it remove the threat of third party spoilers but also make them viable choices. It could very well dismantle the…
