On Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:17:25 -0500, Greg Freemyer wrote:
You're totally correct about the math, but at least in the USA, we tend to have election rules that reduce the number of candidates until one of them gets 50%.
That's not strictly true - look at the 2012 Nevada senate race - the winner had ~46% of the vote, and the next candidate had ~44% of the vote. Simple majority. The same was the case in the US House race in Louisiana’s 3rd district, where there were two open seats and 5 candidates. I can't think of any specific case I've ever heard of where less than 50% caused some sort of a runoff - it's not common, certainly. I have a vague recollection of a second election being called because the race was "too close to call" and nobody would concede, but that's a different situation.
The STV approach is a way to allow voters to register the preferences all at once, then there is an algorithm to modify their vote as candidates are dropped from consideration.
I personally don't see a need to overcomplicate the election process. A simple majority IMHO is sufficient for our needs. It's clear, easily explained, and simple. I think the KISS principle applies here. Jim -- Jim Henderson Please keep on-topic replies on the list so everyone benefits -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse-project+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, email: opensuse-project+owner@opensuse.org