So — what does it really mean that RFK Jr. is on the Pennsylvania ballot? RFK Jr. is polling at 5.5% in Pennsylvania, and Democrats and Republicans alike are prepared that he’ll play the role of the “spoiler” candidate. We’ve been down this road many times before, whether it’s Ross Perot, Ralph Nader, Gary Johnson, Jill Stein or Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Some scold these candidates and their voters — but that strategy doesn’t work. Third-party candidates continue to run for president, and voters continue to look for choices outside the two parties. The solution is ranked choice voting, already used in Alaska and Maine.
Voters get to rank the candidates — first, second and so on. If no candidate gets a majority of first choices, an “instant runoff” takes place. If your first choice candidate doesn’t receive at least 50% of the vote, your vote counts for your second-choice candidate. You don’t have to worry about “wasting” your vote and ultimately helping elect the candidate you like the least.
With RCV, there would be a true majority winner in every state. And by giving voters more choices — not fewer — we’d solve the spoiler problem for good.
Marin Exler
Crafton