How it works

The story behind this site

When my friends and I decide where to eat, the same thing happens every time: everyone brings at least one idea — and then votes for their own.

The result: the “winner” has two votes, everyone else has one. More votes than the rest — but no majority. Half the group ends up at a table they never wanted.

This site grew out of that frustration.

The idea is simple

Instead of casting one vote, every person submits a ranking: first choice, second choice, and so on.

All rankings are combined, and every option goes head-to-head against every other: which one do more people rank higher?

The winner is the option that comes out ahead against all the others — the choice the whole group can live with best.

An example: five friends, four restaurants

Anna, Ben, Carla, David and Emma are going out to eat. The options: Pizza, Sushi, Burger and Falafel. These are their ballots:

The five ballots

Step 1 — Count only first votes (the old way)

Pizza “wins” — with 2 of 5 votes. Three of five wanted something else, and on three ballots Pizza is even in last place. Exactly the frustration from the intro.

Step 2 — Every option head-to-head

Who is ranked higher on more ballots?

Falafel comes out ahead of every other option — Anna, Ben, Carla and David rank it second, Emma first. Being nobody's first choice is no drawback when everyone likes it.

Step 3 — The result

The group eats falafel — the option everyone can live with. Pizza polarises: two love it, three put it last.

For the curious

The method behind this is called the Schulze method; associations and open-source projects around the world decide with it. The formal description is on Wikipedia.

Next time you can't decide?

A poll takes a minute to create — no sign-up, just a link to share.