Using Campaign Communications to Analyze Civility in Ranked Choice Voting Elections

Theory suggests that ranked choice voting (RCV) may create a more civil campaign environment. As voters must rank candidates, the candidates have an incentive to work with each other collaboratively. This study uses text analysis software (LIWC) examine candidate tweets and newspaper articles in RCV versus specifically-chosen plurality cities for evidence of positivity or negativity. In quantitatively comparing tweets, results are mixed among cities. Qualitatively, seem be likely engage than Using LIWC analyze tone, one can see city significantly positive negative words. is first published use direct communication data elections civility. research validates survey indicating citizens perceive campaigns civil.