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The right to vote no: revising the voting system and resuscitating the F-Y voter

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Abstract

This paper explores the possibility of revising the voting system in order to provide the citizen with the alternative of voting for none of the candidates on the ballot as opposed to selecting a specific candidate or not voting at all. We describe in general terms the nature and implications of such a proposal and leave the formal development of the model for a subsequent paper. In addition, preliminary evidence is presented as to the potential effect of this alternative on the electoral system.

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A preliminary version of this paper was presented at the 1976 Public Choice Society Meetings. The authors wish to thank the participants and discussants at their session for useful comments, and Gordon Tullock for bringing to our attention previous advocates of the right to vote no.

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Arcelus, F., Mauser, G. & Spindler, Z.A. The right to vote no: revising the voting system and resuscitating the F-Y voter. Public Choice 33, 67–83 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03187596

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