"The Way We Vote"
Letter to the
Editor
By Rob Richie
April 2,
2003
Janet Malcolm's
attack on third-party candidacies (letter, March 26) is based on the
fact that George W. Bush was elected even though a majority of
voters in Florida and the country voted for either Al Gore or Ralph
Nader. She should attack our antiquated plurality voting system
rather than third-party candidates who seek to bring diverse
viewpoints into elections.
Most countries choose presidents
in runoff elections, which ensure that the popular will is
respected. They also ensure that voters are not punished for
exploring options other than the major candidates, who, in their
efforts to capture at least half the votes, too often avoid the most
pressing issues.
Better still is Australia's instant runoff
voting, which accomplishes the goals of runoffs but in a single
election.
