  Is it more effective to have a strong influence over a small domain, or a
weaker influence over a larger one? Here, we introduce and analyse an
off-lattice generalisation of the voter model, in which the range and strength
of agents' influence are control parameters. We consider both low and high
density regimes and, using distinct mathematical approaches, derive analytical
predictions for the evolution of agent densities. We find that, even when the
agents are equally persuasive on average, those whose influence is wider but
weaker have an overall noise-driven advantage allowing them to reliably
dominate the entire population. We discuss the implications of our results and
the potential of our model (or adaptations thereof) to improve the
understanding of political campaign strategies and the evolution of disease.
