This past weekend I had the joy third wheeling my roommate’s date. My roommate, let’s call
her Rachel and her boyfriend Steve, have been dating for almost a year. Often
they spend time at the house and we all watch a movie together. Rachel typically
loves rom coms, and Steve usually prefers action/thrillers. I typically prefer
something in the middle, so usually Rachel and Steve have two different movie
choices in mind and they fight for my vote. This is an example of the median
voter theorem.
We use a simple majority rules decision. Steve and Rachel
are vote maximizers- their only goal is to be able to watch the genre they
enjoy most. There are only two candidates fighting for my vote. Steve and
Rachel both know me pretty well and therefore have close to perfect information
on my preferences. I always vote on which movie I’d prefer (as I feel it is my
civic duty, and don’t want to get stuck watching a dud.) Our policy space tends
to be single issue (rom com vs actions.) My preferences are single peaked, but
do change depending on my mood or the latest movie review I just read.
Additionally, Steve and Rachel have spatial mobility because they can change
their preferences, it will not alienate me to the point of abstention. This
weekend Steve got stuck watching The Longest
Ride because Rachel won me over by telling me Clint
Eastwood's son was playing the love interest.
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