4 ms·

I disagree. I think plurality tends to create a polarized system where there are two parties with opposite extreme views. The two parties don't have an incenti

I disagree. I think plurality tends to create a polarized system where there are two parties with opposite extreme views. The two parties don't have an incentive to represent the entire populace, they simply have to represent half the voter base as best as possible. A two-party system is a zero sum where shooting down the opposing party advances you just as much as making meaningful positive contributions. Also, a two-party system means that views that overlap both of the two extremes on different issues aren't represented. Approval voting could potentially fix these problems, without any additional complexity at the ballot box (it's really simple! the only difference is you're allowed to vote for more than one candidate), but sadly has seen almost zero traction. Adopting approval voting more broadly could go a long way towards fixing the somewhat broken political system we have in the United States, for example. I'm not a political scientist so take my opinion with a few grains of salt :) [1] Approval Voting on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Approval_voting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Approval_voting

marcoperaza 9y ago
My sense is that approval voting will just select a milquetoast agreeable candidate who lacks any real conviction or vision, other than avoiding upsetting anyone. It is the ultimate protector of the status quo and the enemy of bold leadership.
- macawfish 9y ago
  I feel like score voting is much better in that regard. It lets people express their whole range of opinions.
- KerrickStaley 9y ago
  In my opinion, that's actually better. In the United States the Republicans are actively trying to dismantle all the legislation that was passed by the previous Democratic congress, and there seems to be little rhyme or reason to their platform other than that if the Democrats support it, they're against it. This is especially noticeable with healthcare, and the volatility around the government's stance on healthcare has lead to real uncertainty for insurance companies that has led to higher premiums and spottier coverage. Approval voting actually allows candidates that break the mould of existing parties, because voters can support a candidate with unorthodox views without compromising the campaign of their party's primary candidate.
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marcoperaza 9y ago

My sense is that approval voting will just select a milquetoast agreeable candidate who lacks any real conviction or vision, other than avoiding upsetting anyone. It is the ultimate protector of the status quo and the enemy of bold leadership.

macawfish 9y ago
I feel like score voting is much better in that regard. It lets people express their whole range of opinions.
KerrickStaley 9y ago
In my opinion, that's actually better. In the United States the Republicans are actively trying to dismantle all the legislation that was passed by the previous Democratic congress, and there seems to be little rhyme or reason to their platform other than that if the Democrats support it, they're against it. This is especially noticeable with healthcare, and the volatility around the government's stance on healthcare has lead to real uncertainty for insurance companies that has led to higher premiums and spottier coverage. Approval voting actually allows candidates that break the mould of existing parties, because voters can support a candidate with unorthodox views without compromising the campaign of their party's primary candidate.
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