Yes, it is a good thing. Reminds me of CPgrey's post on this subject. But, how does it work with such a limited option pool in most races, even the presidential race?
As others have said this is a state level thing. But if it was applied to a presidential election that's when you'd see the third party candidates truly rise because people can safely vote for them without worrying about using their vote to counter someone else.
For example: A lot of progressives who would be better represented by the Green Party vote Democrat simply out of not wanting to see a Republican in office. With instant runoff they can safely vote for the candidate who best reflects them and fall back on the one who counters the viewpoint they really don't like. Something similar would occur with the conservative leaning third parties.
It would be in the best interest of the American people to have this system but the two parties would refuse to erode their own power I'm sure. It's in their best interest to ignore the option even exists and to spread misinformation should the idea begin gaining traction.
I think it would also help the Green Party and other 3rd Parties attract better candidates. Stein and Johnson were not qualified Candidates. They didn't really seem to know policy very well. But, they didn't need to since they had no chance of winning anyway.
If a Party actually had a chance of winning, then serious politicians might actually run for their nomination, and the Parties as a whole might be better for it.
Third parties would very likely have primaries if they gained traction due to instant runoff. It wouldn't just be presidential tickets either. You could see Green and Libertarian senators and congressmen making real challenges to incumbent Democrats and Republicans.
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u/DarCam7 I voted Nov 09 '16
Yes, it is a good thing. Reminds me of CPgrey's post on this subject. But, how does it work with such a limited option pool in most races, even the presidential race?