#voters | their vote |
---|---|
20 | Hamilton > Jefferson > Burr |
10 | Jefferson > Hamilton > Burr |
29 | Burr > Jefferson > Hamilton |
In this imaginary 59-voter IRV election Jefferson is eliminated and his second-votes go to Hamilton, who wins over Burr 30-29.
But what if 10 (or more) people in the third group, realizing Burr has no chance, strategically decide to insincerely vote for Jefferson alone then Jefferson wins (which they prefer).
#voters | their vote |
---|---|
20 | Hamilton > Jefferson > Burr |
10 | Jefferson > Hamilton > Burr |
10 | Jefferson |
19 | Burr > Jefferson > Hamilton |
The point is, these IRV voters experienced a Burr-like dilemma; if they honestly reported they thought Burr and Jefferson were the top two, that causes both to lose. If they betray their slight favorite Burr to pretend they solely support Jefferson, that works out much better for them; the hated Hamilton is vanquished.