[EM] Poll Ballots, from poll-topics poll

[Richard Moore]

Richard Moore wrote:

> If we consider that the two tied candidates are likely to be front-runners
> in the final count, then any method that expresses a preference between
> them is better than one that doesn't. All the suggestions listed meet that
> criterion.
>
> The question is, how much insurance does a voter need? If A>B>C>D,
> and A and D are tied, and A is automatically selected for the voter's
> final ballot, what if the final count shifts to the point where B and C
> are front runners?

Going a little farther with this question: If A and D are tied, then my final
approval vote by most of the methods Mike listed will include one or more
compromise or "insurance" votes. If A and D are the two front runners,
but are not tied (and A has only a slight lead), then my vote goes to
A only, no insurance. If D has a slight lead over A, then my final vote
doesn't express a preference between A and D.

It's as if a sliding scale is needed: Approve my favorite of the two leading
candidates, plus all candidates higher than that choice, and extend the
selection downward by some degree depending on the closeness of the
two leading candidates. Don't just extend downward for exact ties, in
other words. Do so for near ties, as well.

But I think that is a refinement best saved for future elections, since
the details would take some time to work out. Let's stick with what we
have now for this one.

Richard