Ranked choice voting for groups
In a normal poll each person picks one option, and a split vote can hand the win to something most people only half like. Ranked voting fixes that: everyone puts the options in order, and the result reflects the whole group's preferences.
How QuickPoll counts a ranked poll
QuickPoll uses a points system (a Borda count). With N options, a voter's first choice earns N points, their second earns N minus 1, and so on. Options a voter leaves unranked earn nothing. The option with the most points wins; ties are broken by the number of first-place votes.
Worked example: where should the team eat?
- Four options: Thai, Pasta, Burgers, Sushi. Seven people vote. Four of them rank Pasta first or second, three rank Thai first. Under a one-vote poll Thai might tie or win with 3 first-place votes. Under ranking, Pasta collects 4 points from several voters' first or second choice and wins, which is the option the most people can live with.
- That is the point of ranking: it finds the option with the broadest support, not only the largest single faction.
When to use ranked voting
- Choosing a restaurant, holiday destination, name, or project to start next, where several options are acceptable.
- Any decision where you expect a split and want a result people accept.
- Skip it for yes/no questions or a simple time slot; an ordinary or availability poll is faster.
Tips
- Keep ranked polls to 3 to 6 options. Ranking ten things is a chore.
- Tell voters to rank at least their top two or three; unranked options get no points.
- Share the result with the points shown so the outcome feels fair.
Where should we eat?
- Thai
- Pasta
- Burgers
- Sushi
Free. Your group votes from a link, with no account needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is ranked choice the same as instant-runoff voting?
No. QuickPoll uses a points count (Borda). Instant-runoff eliminates the last-place option round by round. Points counts suit small groups because every ranking contributes.
Can voters change their ranking?
Yes. A voter can update their ranking until the poll closes.
Do voters need an account?
No, they vote straight from the shared link.