Recent articles in The Carolina Journal highlight critical challenges in our electoral system, including the role of third-party candidates in shaping election outcomes and the barriers they face in gaining ballot access. From concerns about “spoiler” dynamics to delays by the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) in certifying third-party candidates, these issues expose the limitations of our current plurality voting system. Ranked-choice voting (RCV) offers a powerful, non-partisan solution to address these concerns while enhancing fairness and representation.
The Spoiler Effect and Its Consequences
Articles like “Libertarians Played Spoiler in Key NC Elections” illuminate a common frustration: third-party candidates can alter election outcomes without themselves winning office. In several North Carolina districts, votes cast for Libertarian candidates exceeded the margin of victory, fueling debates over whether these candidates acted as spoilers. This dynamic creates a troubling tension where voter choice appears at odds with electoral stability.
Furthermore, the indecision of the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to certify third-party candidates only compounds these frustrations. Delays and challenges in ballot access not only diminish voter trust but also reinforce a system that stifles competition. Such issues underscore the need for a voting process that values every voter’s voice without penalizing broader participation.
How Ranked Choice Voting Works
Ranked Choice Voting is a straightforward yet transformative alternative. Voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate achieves a majority, the last-place candidate is eliminated, and their votes are reallocated to voters’ next choices. This process continues until a candidate secures a majority. By allowing voters to express their preferences more fully, RCV eliminates the “spoiler effect” and ensures that winners have broad-based support.
Why Ranked Choice Voting Is a Conservative Win
RCV aligns with core conservative values of fairness, fiscal responsibility, and voter empowerment:
- Promoting majority rule: By ensuring that winners have majority support, RCV upholds the principle that elected officials should reflect the will of most voters — a cornerstone of representative democracy.
- Encouraging fiscal responsibility: Runoff elections, often required under the current system, are expensive and frequently plagued by low voter turnout. RCV achieves the same goal — majority consensus — without the additional cost to taxpayers.
- Strengthening voter confidence: In states like Alaska and Maine, where RCV has been implemented, voters report high satisfaction with the process. By making elections more transparent and representative, RCV bolsters trust in our democratic institutions.
Addressing Concerns About Third Parties
Rather than viewing third-party candidates as threats, RCV allows them to participate constructively. It removes the “spoiler” label by giving voters the freedom to rank their true preferences without fear of unintended consequences. This not only enhances competition but also encourages major parties to engage with a broader range of issues and constituencies. Moreover, RCV produces winners who appeal to what is now the largest and fastest growing group of voters in North Carolina (as of September 2024, 38% of state voters were unaffiliated vs 32% Democrat and 30% Republican).
A Proven, Non-Partisan Solution
Ranked-choice voting is not a partisan experiment. It is used in jurisdictions across the political spectrum, including Republican-leaning Utah and Democratic-leaning California. These diverse applications demonstrate that RCV is a practical, adaptable solution capable of addressing the unique challenges of any electoral landscape.
A Path Forward for North Carolina
Adopting RCV in North Carolina could alleviate the tensions seen in recent elections. It would ensure that elections reflect the true will of the voters, regardless of party affiliation. The first step is to conduct a needs analysis, as proposed by the Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center, to determine the logistical requirements for implementation. With careful planning and bipartisan collaboration, RCV could strengthen our elections and restore confidence in the democratic process.
As the electorate grows more diverse, our voting systems must evolve to meet the moment. Ranked-choice voting offers a path forward — one that respects every voter’s choice, ensures fair outcomes, and fosters a healthier political environment. It is a solution worthy of consideration by all who value the integrity and inclusivity of our democratic institutions.