First-Past-the-Post
Definition
First-past-the-post is a voting system where candidates with the most votes win, regardless of whether they have a majority or not.
Analogy
Imagine you're playing a game with your friends, and the winner is determined by who reaches the finish line first. It doesn't matter if someone finishes just one second before everyone else; as long as they cross the line first, they win. That's how first-past-the-post works!
Related terms
Plurality: Plurality refers to receiving more votes than any other candidate but not necessarily obtaining an absolute majority. In first-past-the-post systems, winning candidates often secure victory through plurality rather than majority support.
Runoff Election: A runoff election occurs when no candidate in a first-past-the-post system receives an absolute majority of votes. The top two candidates face off in another round of voting to determine the winner.
Gerrymandering: Gerrymandering involves manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one political party over others. This practice can influence election outcomes in favor of certain candidates or parties by strategically grouping voters based on their political preferences.
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