Election methods can be classified as either ordinal or cardinal. In ordinal systems, each voter ranks the candidates (first, second, third, etc.). In cardinal systems, on the other hand, each voter rates each candidate on a numerical scale (integers from zero to ten, for example). Conventional Plurality voting can be considered an incomplete or debilitated form of either. [Note that Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) is also known as the "Alternative Vote" and "Preferential Voting."] Follow the links below to learn more about each method.
Cardinal Election Methods