STRATEGYWeeks to result

Approval Voting Framework

Allow voters to express true preferences

Problem it solves

unclear strategic direction

Best for

Organizations and institutions seeking to improve their voting systems

Not ideal for

Those seeking a simple, traditional voting system

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Approval Voting Framework is a strategic approach to voting systems, allowing voters to express their true preferences without concern for electability. By voting for as many candidates as they wish, voters can ensure that their preferred candidates are elected.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Voters can vote for as many candidates as they wish
  2. Candidates are not in competition with one another, but only with an absolute standard of quality
  3. The framework allows voters to express their true preferences without concern for electability

Steps

3 steps
  1. Implement approval voting
    Allow voters to vote for as many candidates as they wish.
    Pro tipUse a clear and concise voting system to ensure voters understand the process.
    WarningFailing to implement approval voting correctly can lead to confusion and incorrect results.
  2. Set a cutoff percentage
    Determine the percentage of votes required for a candidate to be elected.
    Pro tipUse data and research to determine the optimal cutoff percentage.
    WarningIncorrectly setting the cutoff percentage can lead to suboptimal results.
  3. Evaluate candidate performance
    Assess candidate performance based on voter preferences.
    Pro tipUse data analysis and research to evaluate candidate performance.
    WarningFailing to evaluate candidate performance correctly can lead to suboptimal decisions.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
The Baseball Hall of Fame

The Baseball Hall of Fame can use approval voting to improve its voting system.

OutcomeThe framework can help identify the most deserving candidates and prevent strategic voting.
Congressional voting

Congress can use approval voting to improve its voting system and prevent strategic voting.

OutcomeThe framework can help identify the most effective projects and prevent pork barrel spending.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Incorrectly implementing approval voting
Failing to implement approval voting correctly can lead to confusion and incorrect results.
Setting an incorrect cutoff percentage
Incorrectly setting the cutoff percentage can lead to suboptimal results.
Failing to evaluate candidate performance
Failing to evaluate candidate performance correctly can lead to suboptimal decisions.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The framework was proposed by Steven Brams and Peter Fishburn as an alternative to traditional voting systems.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life
Dixit, Avinash K. · 2008
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