An Introduction to the Math of Voting Methods

WINNER OF THE 2022 CHALKDUST MAGAZINE READER'S CHOICE BOOK OF THE YEAR!

"A credit to this book is that it treats the voting methods in such a fashion that both sorts of readers (those familiar with voting methods and first-timers) will learn a lot from it." Chalkdust Magazine

"If you find yourself wanting to convince students that understanding mathematics is important, consider this book." Emily Olson, Associate Editor, Notices of the American Mathematics Society

"An Introduction to the Math of Voting Methods is a timely and much-needed resource that would be a valuable addition to a multitude of political science courses, including but not limited to: research methods, elections and voting, representation, and even courses on democratic theory." Evan Crawford, Assistant Professor, Political Science and International Relations, University of San Diego

Some modern political discussions are focused on electoral reform and the mechanics of democracy. For instance, Maine and Alaska recently adopted new procedures for statewide elections that involve Ranked Choice Voting, while a similar ballot measure in Massachusetts was only narrowly defeated. Meanwhile, countries all over the world use other voting methods with runoffs or scores. It’s important for people to be aware of how different voting methods work in practice so that we can have productive debates about which to use in various situations.

Accordingly, this book will teach you about a variety of voting methods through concrete examples and clear explanations. Each chapter illustrates a different type of voting method using basic definitions, real-world examples, a list of pros and cons, and detailed practice problems with solutions. No prior mathematical or political knowledge is assumed. In fact, the prose is designed for a wide audience, making this book ideal for a general education mathematics course or anyone else who is curious to learn about different methods of voting.