Voting method reform in the US (with Aaron Hamlin)

Aug 24, 2022 1h 17m 15 insights Episode Page ↗
Spencer Greenberg speaks with Aaron Hamlin of the Center for Election Science about the flaws of current U.S. voting methods. They discuss how approval voting can lead to more representative winners, reduce vote splitting, and be implemented through grassroots ballot initiatives.
Actionable Insights

1. Advocate Approval Voting

Support the implementation of approval voting, especially for single-winner elections, because it leads to more consensus candidates, reduces vote splitting, and better reflects overall candidate support.

2. Implement Via Ballot Initiatives

Work with local communities and voters to pass approval voting through ballot initiatives, rather than relying on elected officials, to change voting systems at city and state levels.

3. Support Election Science Center

Support the Center for Election Science by joining local chapters, engaging on Discord, or making financial donations to help advance the adoption of approval voting across the U.S.

4. Understand Plurality Voting Flaws

Recognize that the current “choose-one” voting system (plurality/first-past-the-post) often forces voters to choose between their favorite candidate and a viable one, leading to strategic voting and vote splitting.

5. Vote Strategically in Plurality

If operating under a plurality voting system, it can be rational to vote for a less-preferred but more viable candidate to prevent a highly disliked candidate from winning, even if it means not supporting your favorite.

6. Support Third Parties

Consider voting for third-party candidates, even if they are unlikely to win, to express support for their ideas and give them more sway, potentially influencing major parties and future elections.

7. Critically Evaluate Voting Methods

Assess voting methods based on their ability to select a good winner, accurately capture candidate support, and be practical and understandable, rather than solely relying on theoretical criteria.

8. Prioritize Simplicity & Performance

When choosing a voting method, prioritize simpler options that perform better or comparably, as minor gains in theoretical utility may not outweigh increased complexity.

9. Avoid Ranked Choice Voting

Be aware that ranked choice voting (instant runoff voting) can fail to accurately reflect candidate support, impose a high cognitive burden on voters, and sometimes incentivize voters to betray their favorite candidate.

10. Use MindEase for Stress

Use the free MindEase app (mindease.io) for iOS, Android, or web to access scientifically proven exercises that help relieve stress and anxiety in under 10 minutes.

11. Subscribe to Newsletter

Sign up for the “One Helpful Idea” newsletter at clearerthinkingpodcast.com/newsletter to receive a single valuable, bite-sized idea weekly, along with podcast updates and essays.

12. Apply Chesterton’s Fence

Before dismantling existing systems or practices, strive to understand the underlying reasons for their existence to avoid unforeseen negative consequences.

13. Read The Selfish Gene

Read “The Selfish Gene” by Richard Dawkins to gain a deeper understanding of evolution, which is crucial for comprehending the world and human nature.

14. Learn Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Read “Feeling Good” by David Burns to learn evidence-based CBT techniques for managing depression and anxiety and improving overall happiness.

15. Explore Diverse Human Cultures

Read “The World Until Yesterday” to explore the diversity of human cultures and gain a different lens on psychology by examining tribal groups disconnected from large-scale societies.