With elections just around the corner, there is a debate on the most non-partisan way of voting for the state of Alaska that would result in picking a true representative of the people of the state. Historically, two most common methods of voting i.e, ranked choice voting or popularity voting, have been used. Currently, the state is following the rank choice voting method, but this system is not without its flaws, and there is a need to reconsider if this is the method we want to continue in our future elections.

In contrast to choosing a single candidate, in ranked-choice voting, citizens rank the contestants in an order of preference. The candidate with the lowest count is eliminated. All of their votes are redirected to the candidate of second preference, and a recount is done. The process continues until a single candidate with a majority emerges.

The ranked-choice voting methodology is flawed to a multitude of reasons. 

FIRST, it is too complex for the common public to grasp. Any method applied for the elections should be easily and thoroughly comprehendible by the public so that they can make their decision without any issues. As it seems, this has not been the case. Voters often find this method vexing and give up halfway through the process. We want a system that increases voters’ turnout. This system has been doing the opposite instead, which is concerning.

Another flaw in the system is that the candidate getting the least amount of votes is eliminated, and votes are redistributed, and the last candidate to stand subsequently gets a majority of the votes. However, this chosen candidate might not be the choice of the majority. This system has resulted in flipping states in the past when the majority didn’t vote for the selected party.

In the recent election in Alaska, using ranked choice voting resulted in complete catastrophe. Republicans lost the state despite 60% votes supporting a Republican candidate. Also, the negative sentiments generated in the process hinder citizens from voting for a candidate with a completely different ideology and vision for the future of the state, and they may end up not voting at all.

Hence, there is no need to go for an exceedingly complex system when we have a better, simpler system in place that will reflect the true choice of the people for their representative. Also, it is a much more cost effective alternative. Popularity voting is, therefore, the best available choice for the state of Alaska. It will ensure a rise in voter turnout since this system ensures that every vote counts and is easy enough that every citizen understands.