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How can adding a candidate change who wins?

An election result can change without anyone changing their mind about the original candidates. Under plurality voting, each ballot counts only for its first available choice. Add another candidate and some votes move to that option, potentially changing which of the original two finishes ahead. A small fictional election makes the rule’s role visible.

3–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • What must remain fixed in voters’ rankings for the example to show a candidate-list effect?

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Politics and society

How does an Irish referendum change the Constitution?

A constitutional change in Ireland has a journey before and after polling day. The proposed wording, the public vote, and formal enactment have distinct roles in changing the country's fundamental legal document.

4–5 min

How does an Irish referendum change the Constitution?

Politics and society4–5 minA constitutional change in Ireland has a journey before and after polling day. The proposed wording, the public vote, and formal enactment have distinct roles in changing the country's fundamental legal document.

Politics and society

Where can your next preference go in an Irish election?

A ballot in an Irish Dáil election can name more than a first choice. Later preferences may matter as candidates are excluded or elected with a surplus, which helps explain why a count can continue through several rounds.

6–8 min

Where can your next preference go in an Irish election?

Politics and society6–8 minA ballot in an Irish Dáil election can name more than a first choice. Later preferences may matter as candidates are excluded or elected with a surplus, which helps explain why a count can continue through several rounds.

Politics and society

How do you select a citizens’ assembly without holding an election?

Ireland's Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use combined household invitations, volunteer responses, and selection against demographic criteria. That historical process aimed for a broad population profile without making participation an open sign-up or an election.

4–5 min

How do you select a citizens’ assembly without holding an election?

Politics and society4–5 minIreland's Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use combined household invitations, volunteer responses, and selection against demographic criteria. That historical process aimed for a broad population profile without making participation an open sign-up or an election.

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