The NPR Politics Podcast

Ranked Choice Voting... Coming To A Ballot Near You?

Oct 3, 2024
Voters across several states are gearing up to decide on significant electoral reforms, particularly ranked choice voting. The discussion dives into how this system might change political polarization and candidate behavior, with insights drawn from both elections and even the Oscars. Despite its potential benefits, there’s notable resistance from both major parties, who fear losing control. Voter reactions vary, with excitement for more open voting clashing with confusion among less frequent voters. The political landscape is shifting as these changes loom.
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INSIGHT

Rising unaffiliated voters drive election reform

  • Unaffiliated and independent voters are increasing, especially among young people.
  • Current partisan primary structures exclude them, leading to a push for election reform.
INSIGHT

Extreme Candidates and Low Primary Turnout

  • More extreme candidates are emerging from primaries due to lower participation, potentially influenced by the 'Trump effect'.
  • A small percentage of voters effectively choose most U.S. House members in partisan primaries.
INSIGHT

Nonpartisan Primaries with Ranked Choice Voting

  • Many states consider nonpartisan top-four primaries with ranked choice voting to address voter dissatisfaction.
  • This system lets all candidates appear on one ballot, increasing voter choice.
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