RANKED BALLOT Meaning and
Definition
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A ranked ballot refers to a voting system in which voters are provided with a list of candidates or options, and they are asked to rank their choices in order of preference. It allows the voters to express their preferences beyond just selecting a single candidate or option. Typically, voters rank the choices by numbering them or marking them in a specific order.
In a ranked ballot system, the counting of votes is conducted in multiple rounds. During each round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. The votes for the eliminated candidate are then redistributed to the remaining candidates based on voters' next preferences. This process continues until a candidate has obtained a majority of the votes, or until only two candidates remain, at which point the candidate with the most votes is declared the winner.
The aim of a ranked ballot system is to produce a consensus or majority choice that reflects the preferences of the majority of voters. It provides a more nuanced and detailed representation of voter preferences compared to a simple “first-past-the-post” system. By allowing voters to express their preferences for multiple candidates, it encourages a more diverse and representative outcome.
Ranked ballots are often used in elections for single offices, such as mayoral elections, and in party leadership contests. They are known by various names, including preferential voting, ranked choice voting, or instant runoff voting, depending on regional variations in terminology.
Etymology of RANKED BALLOT
The term "ranked ballot" is a compound term that essentially describes a type of voting system. The word "ranked" refers to the act of assigning different positions or levels according to preference or importance. "Ballot" refers to a piece of paper or voting device used to cast a vote in an election.
The term "ranked ballot" is derived from the concept of ranking candidates in order of preference on a ballot. In this voting system, voters are allowed to rank the candidates in order of their preference, rather than simply indicating a single choice. The idea behind a ranked ballot is to provide voters with more choices and enable a more nuanced representation of their preferences.
The etymology of the individual words "ranked" and "ballot" originates from different sources.
