The Power of “Plunking”

What is “plunking”? It is a way to ensure you don’t dilute your vote. You “plunk” by only voting for your favorite candidate(s) in a particular race.

For example, in a competitive race where there are four candidates vying for three spots, voters typically vote for their favorite one or two candidates, and then often cast their third vote for someone they really don’t like as well, but consider in some way to be better than the fourth option.

Remember, a vote is a vote. Every vote is weighted equally—your third vote isn’t counted any less because it’s your third choice.

In fact, the vote you give to your third choice, could very well be the single, winning vote that causes your third-choice candidate to place ahead of your first or second choice—causing them to lose!

Keep in mind that in this scenario of four candidates vying for three spots, the ballot instructions would say, "vote for not more than three”—see, it’s not necessary to vote for three! In fact, you are not throwing a vote away if you vote for less than three, but actually strengthening your support for your candidate(s)! So, if you really want to help your candidates come out on top, “plunk” by voting only for your favorite(s) in a crowded field!