Approval Voting vs Instant Runoff Voting:

[DEMOREP1 at aol.com]

Mr. Layton wrote in part-

There is a four candidate race.  There may be more than four candidates, but

only four are "contenders".  The race is very close between all four

contenders, and opinion polls are neck and neck.  


the ballots are

A 20

B 14

C 13

D 23

AB 10

CD 10

BCD 5

ABC 5


the results are

D 38

A 35

B 34

C 33


D is elected with only 38 percent of the vote.

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D- I again note that there can be a majority requirement for a single winner 
executive or judicial office.

If there is such a majority requirement, then more voters might make 
additional choices.

If there is no majority winner, then the legislative body involved (elected 
by P.R. to get indirect majority rule) fills the resulting vacancy (perhaps 
disqualifying all the candidates in the regular election).