[EM] Best use of two bit ballots?

[Dave Ketchum]

On Jun 15, 2011, at 5:12 PM, fsimmons at pcc.edu wrote:
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Kristofer Munsterhjelm
> Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 1:41 pm
> Subject: Re: [EM] Best use of two bit ballots?
> To: fsimmons at pcc.edu
> Cc: election-methods at lists.electorama.com
>
>> fsimmons at pcc.edu wrote:
>>> So far SODA seems to be the best use of one bit ballots, i.e.
>> the Plurality style ballots which have just
>>> one bubble to the right of each name.
>>>
>>> What is the best way to use two bit ballots, i.e. ballots that
>> have two bubbles to the right of each name?
>>
>> Two-bit ballots can distinguish between three levels plus one
>> bottom-ranked level. Thus, they can do ranked ballots for three
>> candidates (with equal rank and truncation), so it's hard to say.
>>
>> Knowing whether to use these 2^2 levels for rank or for Range-
>> style
>> rating depends on what method you think is the best. It could
>> also be
>> used for n-slot methods with n <= 4.
>>
>
> Which interpretation would be least confusing for the voter?
>
> Suppose, for example we have
>
> [name]  (1)  (2)
>
> What is the most natural interpretation for the voter that doesn't  
> read the instructions?

No "natural" here, so better guide:
      Ace (1) wins over deuce (2).
      Two (2) is a higher number than one (1).

Three (1+2) is fine, but needs guidance as to permisability.

Four has no slot ability, for a blank is simply nonnvoting - perhaps  
seen as truncation.