Correcting the Spoiler EffectSince plurality races with three or
more candidates allow a winner to be elected with less than 50%
of the vote, two like-minded candidates can split their base of
support, allowing a less desired candidate to win. This is known
as the "spoiler effect." This winning candidate, if elected with
less than 50% of votes, does not necessarily have the support of
most voters and may in fact represent views in conflict with the
majority of voters. In some instances, vote-splitting between
two candidates can lead to the election of a candidate who is
the polar opposite of the majority of voters. In response to the
spoiler effect, candidates face an incentive to engage in
negative campaigning against those who hold views similar to
their own and who threaten to cut into their base of support.
This can in turn drive voter turnout down and draw attention
away from serious policy concerns in a campaign. With the advent
of modern polling techniques, some candidates are seen
throughout their can