alsWähl

alsWähl is a software project and community initiative focused on enabling and simplifying the use of alternative voting methods in electoral processes. The project aims to provide open-source tools and resources that support ranked-choice voting (RCV), also known as instant-runoff voting, and other proportional representation systems. The core idea behind alsWähl is to make these more nuanced voting systems accessible to election administrators, researchers, and the general public.

The project develops software that can be used for simulating election outcomes under different voting methods, for analyzing voting data, and potentially for creating electronic ballot counting systems. A key aspect of alsWähl is its commitment to transparency and verifiability, ensuring that the results produced by its software are accurate and can be independently audited. The community surrounding alsWähl is composed of developers, electoral reform advocates, and academics who collaborate on improving the software and expanding its capabilities.

alsWähl seeks to address perceived shortcomings in traditional plurality voting systems, such as the possibility of "spoiler" candidates and the election of candidates without majority support. By offering practical tools for implementing and understanding alternative voting methods, the project contributes to the broader discussion and implementation of electoral reforms aimed at improving democratic representation and voter choice. The initiative is driven by a belief in the potential of better electoral mechanics to foster more representative and equitable outcomes.