On  Fri, 02 Sep 2005 14:44:40 -0400 Eric Gorr wrote:

Eric Gorr wrote:

The primary reason why the RVH is better then simply selecting a tied candidate at random is because it provides a statistical edge to those candidates who are preferred by a majority of voters.


For a concrete example, let's say that you have a genuine three way tie, with 100 voters total:


50:a>c>b
50:b>c>a


50 voters prefer a>c
50 voters prefer a>b
50 voters prefer c>b
50 voters prefer c>a
50 voters prefer b>c
50 voters prefer b>a

Now, simply selecting one of these candidates at random, provides 'c' with a ~33% to win the election. Does this make sense? Not really...after all, 'c' was not the first place choice of _any_ voter. The RVH recognizes this and would provide 'c' with absolutely no opportunity to win. It provides 'a' and 'b' a 50% chance to win.

Not at all clear that that is proper resolution:

     Looking at A/B, A/C, and B/C, each pair has ties.
Looking closer, no one hates C - perhaps reason enough to elect C, since A and B each inspire dislike/hate.

Not ready for such detailed analysis, I like the 33% odds, and do not need RVH to implement them.
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 Dave Ketchum   108 Halstead Ave, Owego, NY  13827-1708   607-687-5026
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