Ranked-Choice Voting and Democratic Attitudes

Abstract

Ranked-Choice voting is an electoral system that has become a subject of analysis after its implementation across multiple municipalities and two states. An electoral system can affect several aspects of the election, including how voters perceive the system. Our research addresses the impact of RCV on voters’ attitudes towards democracy. In this study, we develop a theory of why ranked-choice voting will increase support for democracy and candidates, even if their preferred choice does not win. With a survey experiment, we find some support for the claim that participating in an RCV election affects how respondents perceive democracy. With the ongoing polarization and partisanship, RCV may provide an avenue for improving assessments and attitudes towards democracy.