What does the term "negative voting" refer to?

The term "negative voting" refers to the practice of casting a vote for a candidate not because of their positive qualities or ideals, but rather as a choice against another candidate, often perceived as less desirable. This concept highlights voters’ tendency to settle for what they consider the lesser of two evils.

In contexts where candidates may not fully align with a voter's ideals or preferences, individuals might choose to support a candidate whom they feel is the least objectionable option available. This strategy reflects a pragmatic approach to voting, where the goal is to prevent the election of a candidate viewed as particularly undesirable, rather than to express strong support for a preferred candidate.

Understanding this concept also sheds light on voter behavior in competitive elections, where the decision-making process may prioritize the outcomes of elections over any strong affiliation with a specific candidate’s policies or platforms. Such dynamics can significantly shape electoral strategies and campaign messaging.