Last semester, I conducted a voting simulation in several political science classes (thank you, colleagues) at Dickinson. This year, I hope to expand that to a much broader cross-section of the student body. In addition, I’m hoping to rope in a few other colleges & universities, if possible. I’ll be running the simulation at Dickinson from October 22 through November 2.
The simulation is pretty simple, and shouldn’t take more than five minutes of class. Basically, I hand out three different kinds of ballots. Each ballot is handed out, explained, and then collected (after students vote), before handing out the next ballot.
I am using the same three ballots types from last semester: simple plurality, alternative vote, and ley de lemas. Additionally, though not requiring another ballot, I may count the plurality votes by “district” (each class) and use them to calculate a winner based on which candidate wins the most districts (a modified form of an electoral college).
If you would like to participate, please let me know. I want to collect as much data as possible and am curious to see the results from a broader sample. Here are the ballots, as well as the instructions (both are in Word format).
I am intrigued by the idea. But do you think you could accept a sample of German students doing this?
I will teach a class called "Electoral systems and Electoral Reform"
Actually, I'd be extremely curious to see how German students voted in this. So, sure. After all, the purpose isn't so much to see who American students want to win, but how different counting rules lead to different results. Your class would be an interesting control group!
I was just wondering, since I do not expect my German students to know most of the candidates except barak, hillary and possibly rudi. But maybe that makes it interesting.
I would help, but because of LASA and other things I am behind in lectures and need to use all my time. With more advanced warning I could do it next semester.
Will hand out the ballots in my class on Oct 22 if that is fine with you.
Absolutely. Thanks!