What is Condorcet loser criterion?
In single-winner [[voting system]] theory, the '''Condorcet loser criterion''' (CLC) is used to compare different voting systems. Any voting system that passes the CLC will also pass the majority loser criterion. A [[voting system]] that passes the Condorcet loser criterion will never allow a ''Condorcet loser'' to win. A Condorcet loser is a candidate who would lose a [[Condorcet method|head-to-head competition]] against each other candidate. (Not all elections will have a Condorcet loser since it is possible for every candidate to lose against [[Condorcet paradox|at least one other candidate]] head-to-head.) Any voting method that passes the Smith criterion will also pass the Condorcet loser criterion, because the Condorcet loser doesn't pairwise beat anyone, and so could not be in the [[Smith set]]. Voting methods that pass include: two-round system, [[Instant Runoff Voting|instant-runoff voting]] (AV), contingent vote, borda count, [[Schulze method]], ranked pairs, and Kemeny-Young method. Any voting method that ends in a runoff passes the criterion, because the Condorcet loser will lose in any head-to-head competition. Voting methods that don't pass include: [[Plurality|plurality voting]], supplementary voting, Sri Lankan contingent voting, [[approval voting]], range voting, Bucklin voting and minimax Condorcet. == Related pages == * [[Condorcet method]] * [[Condorcet criterion]] [[Category:Voting systems]]