I rather suspect that the reason for "oppose" votes comes from the voting formula:
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_2015/Vote_Ques tions#How_are_the_winners_determined.2C_and_what_is_the_process_once_voting_ is_completed.3F which declares the winners to be those with the highest Support/(Support+Oppose) As they say, "do the maths" (or if you are American, "do the math"). If you are just voting to support anyone who you feel would do a reasonable job, you have no real motivation to cast "oppose" votes. But if you are particularly seeking the election of a particular candidate, then you increase their chances by casting oppose votes for the others. Just as a simple example. If there are 2 candidates, Andy and Betty. Let's suppose 10 people think Andy would be a good choice and give support votes for Andy. Let's suppose 10 other people think Betty is a good choice and give support votes for Betty. Andy's score = 10 * (10+0) = 1 Betty's score = 10 * (10+0) = 1 Both are equal. If just one of Andy's supporters gives an oppose vote to Betty, what's the situation? Andy's score = 10*(10+0)= 1 Betty's score = 10*(10+1)= 0.909090 Winner: Andy. It's strategic to "oppose" other candidates. It's not necessarily saying anything against the opposed candidate personally. Kerry
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