Supplementary vote

Definition

The supplementary vote is an electoral system used in the UK that allows voters to indicate a first and a second choice candidate in single-member constituencies. If no candidate receives an outright majority of first-choice votes, all but the top two candidates are eliminated, and the second-choice votes of the eliminated candidates are counted to determine the winner. This system aims to provide a more representative outcome while still maintaining the simplicity of a single-member constituency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The supplementary vote was introduced in England and Wales for mayoral elections in 2000 and has since been used for some local elections.
2. Unlike the Alternative Vote, voters only have two choices: a first and a second preference, simplifying the decision-making process.
3. If there is a tie between the top two candidates after first-choice votes, the tied candidates can still be included in the supplementary count based on their second-choice votes.
4. The system encourages candidates to appeal to a wider audience since gaining second-choice votes can be crucial for winning.
5. Critics argue that while the supplementary vote enhances voter choice, it may still lead to strategic voting rather than genuine preference expression.

Review Questions

• How does the supplementary vote differ from the First Past the Post system in terms of voter engagement and representation?
  • The supplementary vote differs from First Past the Post by allowing voters to express more than one preference, which can lead to greater voter engagement and potentially better representation of public opinion. In First Past the Post, voters often feel compelled to vote strategically for a candidate they perceive as having a better chance of winning, leading to wasted votes. In contrast, the supplementary vote encourages voters to select their genuine first choice without fear of 'wasting' their vote since their second choice still matters in determining the outcome if their first choice does not make it through.
• Discuss how the supplementary vote impacts candidate campaigning strategies compared to traditional voting systems.
  • The supplementary vote significantly impacts candidate campaigning strategies by compelling candidates to seek not only first-choice votes but also second-choice preferences. Candidates must appeal to a broader electorate rather than focusing solely on their core supporters. This encourages them to adopt more inclusive campaign messages and policies that resonate with potential second-choice voters, as securing these additional preferences can be pivotal in winning close contests.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the supplementary vote in delivering fair electoral outcomes in local elections compared to other systems like the Alternative Vote.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of the supplementary vote in delivering fair electoral outcomes reveals both strengths and weaknesses when compared to systems like the Alternative Vote. While the supplementary vote allows for greater voter choice than First Past the Post, it still does not fully utilize voters' preferences as effectively as ranked voting systems. The Alternative Vote provides a more comprehensive understanding of voter preferences by allowing multiple rankings, leading to outcomes that better reflect overall support. However, proponents argue that the simplicity of the supplementary vote makes it more accessible for voters and maintains a clearer connection between constituents and their elected representatives.

Related terms

First Past the Post: A simple plurality voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins, often leading to majoritarian outcomes but can result in wasted votes.

Alternative Vote: An electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, and votes are redistributed until one candidate achieves a majority.

Single-Member Constituency: A district that elects one representative to a legislative body, commonly used in various electoral systems, including the supplementary vote.