How Ranked Choice Voting Affects Election Campaign Strategies

Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is increasingly discussed as an innovative approach to electoral competition. According to insights shared by a16z crypto, Peter Buisseret, an assistant professor of government at Harvard University, examines the comparative dynamics of election campaigns under traditional majority rule compared to RCV.

Comparative analysis of voting systems

Buisseret’s analysis highlights fundamental questions of political strategy. Should candidates aim for broad appeal or focus on target voter segments? Under majority rule, the candidate who receives the most votes wins, often leading to strategies focused on winning over a specific voter base. Conversely, RCV, in which voters rank candidates in terms of their preferences, is assumed to encourage a broader range of campaign strategies, with candidates competing for second- and third-choice votes.

Buisseret identifies scenarios where RCV actually promotes a broader campaign. But he also points out that in a context of deep partisan, racial, geographic and cultural divisions, RCV may paradoxically encourage more targeted campaigns. The possibility of securing second-choice votes from certain voter segments can encourage candidates to focus on niche voters.

Theoretical and practical implications

This study leverages game theory to explore these electoral dynamics, providing a nuanced understanding of how political institutions shape candidate incentives. Research shows that RCV has the potential to foster a more inclusive political discourse, but its impact may vary significantly depending on the socio-political environment.

Buisseret’s broad research agenda encompasses electoral competition, legislative policymaking, and collective bargaining, with a focus on enhancing political and economic incentives through institutional design.

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