Join the GoodParty.org Community on Circle
Join

What is Spoiler Effect?

Definition and meaning of spoiler effect: The spoiler effect occurs in elections when a third-party or minor candidate draws votes away from a major candidate with similar views, potentially changing the election’s outcome.

This phenomenon is most common in winner-take-all electoral systems, such as those in the United States, where the presence of a third candidate can split votes, inadvertently benefiting a candidate with less broad support.

Core elements of the spoiler effect include:

  1. Vote Splitting: When two candidates share similar platforms, they may divide votes within an ideological group, reducing the chances that either will win and benefiting a third candidate with a different base.

  2. Impact on the Two-Party System: In U.S. elections, the spoiler effect often influences voter behavior, leading to strategic voting where individuals vote for the candidate they perceive as most likely to defeat their least-preferred candidate, rather than supporting third-party or Independent candidates.

  3. Reduction in Voter Choice: This effect can limit meaningful voter options, sometimes forcing voters to choose between two major candidates rather than supporting one they truly favor.

The spoiler effect is a central issue in discussions about electoral reform. Solutions like ranked choice voting and proportional representation are proposed to address vote splitting, creating a more representative electoral system and encouraging diverse candidates to participate without fear of being labeled “spoilers.”

Read more about the spoiler effect on our blog.

Fairer elections mean fairer government
Join the movement to reform America's political dysfunction
Learn More
Transparent Glossary