What type of voting reform is discussed in the upcoming NPR program?

The discussion of instant runoff voting in the upcoming NPR program focuses on a system designed to allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than casting a single vote for one candidate. This method can help ensure that the winning candidate has broader support among the electorate, as it allows for multiple rounds of counting based on people's preferences. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are reallocated according to the next preferences indicated on those ballots. This process continues until a candidate achieves a majority.

Instant runoff voting encourages more diverse and representative choices by enabling voters to indicate their preferred candidates without the fear of "wasting" their vote. As interest in voting reform rises, instant runoff voting has gained attention as a potential solution to issues like vote splitting among similar candidates and the polarization often present in winner-takes-all systems. By discussing this topic, the NPR program sheds light on a reform that aims to enhance the democratic process and the electoral experience for voters.