[EM] Ballot Instructions

[Martin Harper]

Well, if you think that the rating methods are ok with the instructions 
you give, then "Rate each candidate on a scale of one to zero" would 
make you happy in approval. Myself, I'd prefer "Put a single cross next 
to as many candidates as you wish".

Personally, I'd say that any discussion of "most elected" or "approve" 
or "order of preference" should stay out of instructions for methods 
which have strategy - otherwise people who obey instructions get less 
value out of their vote, which seems a little unfair.

Buddha Buck wrote:

> One thing I haven't seen here is any discussion of ballot instructions.  
> I'm curious as to how people would recommend the ballot instructions for 
> the various election methods be written.
> 
> For some methods, I can see pretty clear ways to write the ballot 
> instructions; Plurality: Select the candidate you wish to be elected.  
> IRV/Condorcet/other ranking methods: Order the candidates in your order 
> of preference.  Various rating methods: Rate each candidate on a scale 
> of ...
> 
> I can't see clear wording to use for approval.  Something like "Select 
> all the candidates that..." you approve of?  are acceptable? are 
> qualified?  All three of those choices could result in different votes 
> from me (a candidate may be acceptable, even if I wouldn't truely 
> approve of him, and a candidate may be qualified for a position, but 
> who's positions are antithetical to mine, etc).
> 
> Has much thought been given to ballot instructions?
>