What is prospective voting?

Prospective voting refers to the practice of casting a ballot based on a candidate's promises, proposals, and the issues they plan to address if elected. This type of voting emphasizes the future and what voters believe the candidates will achieve, rather than focusing solely on past actions or current opinions. By evaluating the candidates' platforms and potential policy outcomes, voters make informed decisions based on what they aspire to see in terms of governance and leadership.

The essence of prospective voting is rooted in the idea that voters are looking for solutions to issues and are optimistic about the direction in which a candidate plans to lead the country, state, or local area. Understanding this concept helps to grasp how electoral choices can reflect voters' ideals and expectations for the future rather than merely a reaction to historical performance or peer influence.