Consider the following preference table for four voters to answer the Questions $$\begin{array} { l l l l l }
\text { First choice } & \mathrm { B } & \mathrm { D } & \mathrm { A } & \mathrm { C } \
\text { Second choice } & \mathrm { C } & \mathrm { B } & \mathrm { D } & \mathrm { D } \
\text { Third choice } & \mathrm { A } & \mathrm { C } & \mathrm { B } & \mathrm { B } \
\text { Fourth choice } & \mathrm { D } & \mathrm { A } & \mathrm { C } & \mathrm { A } \
\text { Fifth choice } & \mathrm { E } & \mathrm { E } & \mathrm { E } & \mathrm { E }
\end{array}$$
-If a Borda count is used, can the fourth voter manipulate the outcome so that C wins?

Question

Consider the following preference table for four voters to answer the Questions $$\begin{array} { l l l l l } 
\text { First choice } & \mathrm { B } & \mathrm { D } & \mathrm { A } & \mathrm { C } \
\text { Second choice } & \mathrm { C } & \mathrm { B } & \mathrm { D } & \mathrm { D } \
\text { Third choice } & \mathrm { A } & \mathrm { C } & \mathrm { B } & \mathrm { B } \
\text { Fourth choice } & \mathrm { D } & \mathrm { A } & \mathrm { C } & \mathrm { A } \
\text { Fifth choice } & \mathrm { E } & \mathrm { E } & \mathrm { E } & \mathrm { E }
\end{array}$$
-If a Borda count is used, can the fourth voter manipulate the outcome so that C wins?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a Borda count, voters rank candidates and points are assigned based on position. Manipulating the outcome by a single voter (especially in a small group) is difficult without knowing the specific point totals and preferences of all other voters. Given the table, changing the order of preferences by the fourth voter alone would not guarantee that C wins, as the outcome depends on the collective rankings of all voters, not just one.

Consider the Following Preference Table for Four Voters to Answer