The West has a history of electoral experimentation. Several states will consider ranked-choice voting

On November 5, voters across the country will consider a series of elections election-related measures. In the West, ranked choice initiatives occupy a prominent position.

For those unfamiliar with it: Ranked choice voting can seem confusing. But Rachael Cobb, a political science professor at Suffolk University in Boston, compares it to something almost universally understood: buying ice cream. You may have your best flavor, but if that isn’t there, you have a backup or two that you’d like too.

“And that’s exactly what we do with ranked choice voting,” she said. “Instead of just voting for one candidate and saying yes or no, we can now say, ‘Well, if No. 1 doesn’t win, we’re OK with No. 2, and maybe we’re even OK with No.’ . 3.’

“So we are actually able to express more of our preferences than just a single preference in ranked selection.”

This choice, voters Idaho, Nevada, Colorado and Oregon will all decide whether to adopt such a system. Alaska voters will consider scrapping their ranked-choice voting system.

Cobb isn’t surprised the idea is taking hold in the region.

“The West has always been the place where electoral reforms have taken place experimented with the earliest and the most,” she said.

She acknowledged that each electoral system has its advantages and disadvantages. But Cobb said there is evidence that ranked-choice voting can have a moderating effect on candidates who would have an incentive to attract voters who might give them a second or third place finish.

This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, KUNC in Colorado and KANW in New Mexico, with support from partner stations throughout the region. The Mountain West News Bureau is funded in part by Society for public broadcasting.