[EM] Why Condorcet

[robert bristow-johnson]

On Jul 6, 2010, at 9:31 PM, Dave Ketchum wrote:

> Ballots:  Must support write-ins and, perhaps, 3 ranks (do not need  
> to rank rejects and can do equal ranking).

i think that the number of ranking levels should be as large as the  
number of candidates (and there should be ballot access laws that make  
it difficult enough to get on the ballot that no more than maybe 5  
candidates normally get on).

i think Write-In can just be considered another candidate.  the only  
issue is what to do if Write-In wins, then there must be some  
assumption first to determine who the likely write-in candidate is,  
hand separate those ballots from the others with a write-in (and call  
them two different candidates, Write-In1 and Write-In2).  and then  
retabulate as a Condorcet election and see if Write-In1 still wins.

>
> Voting:  Voter can rank one or more candidates, much as would be  
> done in various methods:
>    Bullet voting, ala Plurality - simply rank one.  This is a  
> suitable vote for many voters in many races.
>    Approval - just give them the same rank.
>    Condorcet - Equal ranking permitted.  Counters care only which of  
> any pair of candidates ranks higher, not how voter decides on ranking.
>    Rank below unranked candidates?  Can't, but can rank all others  
> above those most hated.

only if you have enough ranking levels.

>    Rank, but number not clear - rules could have counters treat such  
> as a rank below the lowest real rank.
>    Write-ins permitted (if few write-ins expected, counters may lump  
> all such as if a single candidate - if assumption correct the count  
> verifies it; if incorrect, must recount - if many expected for one  
> person, that name could be added in for counting).
>
> Counting:  Have an N array with one entry per candidate plus an N*N  
> matrix with one row and column per candidate.
...
> Reporting results:  Besides the winner, contents of the final N*N  
> matrix can be useful.  N*N matrices for districts such as a town or  
> county can also be done and published.


i still think that rectangular N*N matrix is sorta useless.  it's hard  
to read.  each pair should be grouped together for visual inspection.

L8r,

--

r b-j                  rbj at audioimagination.com

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."