Optimal? not

DEMOREP1 at aol.com DEMOREP1 at aol.com
Wed Jul 15 17:36:24 PDT 1998


Demorep1 wrote--
Is Mr. Saari suggesting that if 1 voter votes 100 for choice A and 2 voters
vote 49 for choice B that choice A should outrank choice B ?

Mr. Saari wrote--
This is the problem with most point systems - it is unclear what the points
really mean.

If the two medium votes really mean "I have a very mild preference" and the
one strong vote really means "I would sacrifice my right arm for this" then
perhaps the one strong vote really should outweigh the two medium ones.

But with the point system as shown it is impossible to ascertain just what was
meant by a given vote.  Something better is needed.
----
D- One person, one vote (for adults) and majority rule will suffice.
Candidates are or are not elected.  Laws are or are not enacted.  Most of this
EM list is about determining which majorities should elect executive and
judicial officers and directly enact laws and which majorities and minorities
should elect the members of legislative bodies.  Points are only of marginal
use if not totally irrelevant.



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