We continue with the same table:

Preference Schedule

In order to calculate the winner under the plurality with runoff scheme, you must first restrict the field to the two candidates with the most first-place votes (using the methods described in the previous section). Then, give the remaining two candidates new rankings according to the following rule: if a voter preferred candidate A to candidate B, then give A rank 1 and B rank 2, and vice-versa. The winner is then the candidate with the most 1 votes in the runoff. For example, if the run-off were between Samuel Adams and Guinness (which is not the case in reality), then we would have the following run-off schedule:

43 voters prefer Samuel Adams while only 12 voters prefer Guinness. Therefore, Samuel Adams is winner of this (fictitious) runoff.

Note: if two candidates have the same number of first-place votes and are competing to be considered under the plurality with runoff scheme, check their number of second-place votes and eliminate the candidate with fewer second-place votes. (If the two candidates are also tied with number of second-place votes, then look at their third-place votes, etc.)

Practice
Plurality with Runoff

Using the plurality with runoff method, which beer would win under the above preference schedule? Do not forget to press "Enter".

Click here if you need an explanation for the example above.