The Voting Paradox refers to a situation in which collective preferences can be inconsistent or contradictory, even when individual preferences are rational. This occurs when a group of voters has different opinions, leading to outcomes that do not reflect the majority's preference. For example, if three candidates are running, the winner might not be the most preferred candidate for the majority of voters.
This paradox highlights the complexities of democratic decision-making and the challenges of aggregating individual choices into a single group decision. It raises questions about the effectiveness of various voting systems and the potential for strategic voting, where individuals may vote insincerely to influence the outcome.