[EM] Why We Shouldn't Count Votes with Machines

[Bob Richard]

Dave Ketchum wrote:

 > We have to be doing different topics.

I'm afraid that Dave and James Gilmour are indeed "doing different 
topics". I gather that, for Dave, it is taken for granted that elections 
are held to fill a single seat (or executive branch office). The choice 
between winner-take-all in single-member districts and PR just isn't 
part of this discussion. I'm afraid that's true of an awful lot of 
discussions held within the framework of social choice theory.

For James, I suspect that the choice between winner-take-all and PR is 
fundamental. It's definitely fundamental for me.

-- 
Bob Richard
Marin Ranked Voting
P.O. Box 235
Kentfield, CA 94914-0235
415-256-9393
http://www.marinrankedvoting.org


Dave Ketchum wrote:
> On  Sat, 4 Oct 2008 23:59:51 +0100 James Gilmour wrote:
>> Dave Ketchum > Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2008 7:37 PM
>>
>>> Plurality does fine with two candidates, or with one obvious winner 
>>> over others.
>>
>>
>> I am horrified to read this statement on this list.  It is completely 
>> and utterly untrue.  Plurality fails on almost every count
>> even when there are only two candidates in each electoral district 
>> and even when only two parties contest the elections.
>>
> We have to be doing different topics.
>
> PROVIDED there are only two candidates, all there is to do is pick one 
> - and many methods can manage this with about equal effort.
>
> I promote Condorcet BECAUSE I like what it does with more candidates.
>
> Other methods have value in their environments.
>
> ....
>>
>> No, plurality is a rotten voting system and it is a pernicious myth 
>> that it works OK when there are only two parties or only two
>> contesting candidates in each electoral district.  We British who 
>> spread this appalling voting system around the world owe the
>> electors of many countries an almighty apology for this dreadful 
>> legacy!!
>>
>> James


-- 
Bob Richard
Marin Ranked Voting
P.O. Box 235
Kentfield, CA 94914-0235
415-256-9393
http://www.marinrankedvoting.org