Exaggerated opinions

[Rob Lanphier]

On Tue, 5 May 1998, Saari wrote:
> In contrast, in a ranked vote ( where alternatives are ordered first, second,
> third, etc.) it is necessary to compile a "final list of alternatives" before
> any voting can occur.  The creation and presentation of the "final list" must
> necessarily be performed by a subcommittee duly authorized to perform this
> task.  I am unaware of any method involving ranked voting which does not also
> necessarily involve the dictatorial pre-step of creating the "final list" (and
> establishing an "official polling date/time").  Perhaps there is a method I am
> not aware of?

Any set of "rated" ballots can be converted to ranked ballots (presuming
ties are allowed on the ranked ballots).  Furthermore, if the desire is to
have a continuously running election rather than fixed polling dates, this
can be done regardless of whether ranked or rated ballots are chosen.

Rob Lanphier
robla at eskimo.com
http://www.eskimo.com/~robla