Alternatiivhääletus

Alternatiivhääletus, also known as ranked-choice voting or instant-runoff voting, is an electoral system used in some jurisdictions. Under this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. If no candidate receives a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. The votes for the eliminated candidate are then redistributed to the voters' next-ranked choice. This process continues until one candidate secures a majority of the remaining votes.

The primary goal of alternatiivhääletus is to elect a candidate who has broader support within the electorate, avoiding situations where a candidate wins with a minority of votes. It is often seen as a way to reduce "spoiler effects," where a third-party candidate may draw votes away from a major candidate, inadvertently helping another major candidate win. Proponents argue it encourages more civil campaigning, as candidates may seek second or third-preference votes from supporters of other candidates.

However, alternatiivhääletus also faces criticism. Some argue that the counting process can be more complex and time-consuming than traditional plurality voting. Others express concern that voters may not fully understand how their ranked choices will be interpreted and counted. The effectiveness and fairness of alternatiivhääletus continue to be debated in various political contexts. It has been implemented in countries like Australia and Ireland, and in various local elections in the United States and elsewhere.