Question

Consider a situation in which four candidates (Wendy, Xavier, Yair, and Zack) are potentially running for a vacant Senate seat. Preferences are summarized by the table below. Assume all people vote sincerely truthfully (1.e., in-line with actual preferences). Voter Type 1st Choice Wendy Wendy Xavier Xavier Yair Yair Zack Zack Zack 2nd Choice Xavier Xavier Wendy Yair Xavier Zack Yair Yair Xavier 3 rd Choice Yair Zack Yair Wendy Zack Wendy Wendy Xavier 4th Choice Zack Yair Zack Zack Wendy Xavier Xavier Wendy Wendy % of Population 6% 10% 16% 13% 19% 9% 1190 VII [vii] ix] 120 Yair In an election between all four candidates, would receive the most votes. Xavier O Wendy O Yair O O O Zack

Answer 1

It can be seen from the above calculations that Xavier must receive the highest number of votes.

Candidate Percentage of vote as gst choice 1 and choice Wendy L 16 I Xavier (39) Yair 28 36 Zack 27

This is because he is the first choice of the most number of people i.e. 29% and if by chance someone considers his 2nd choice than also he is the choice of highest number of people i.e. 39%. So he will get highest number of votes because it is assumed that people vote sincerely which means that they considers their first choice first.