Key Electoral Systems

Electoral systems shape how votes translate into political power, influencing party dynamics and representation. Understanding these systems, like First-Past-the-Post and Proportional Representation, reveals their impact on democracy and voter engagement in the political landscape.

1. First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)

   • The candidate with the most votes in a single-member district wins, regardless of whether they achieve a majority.
   • Often leads to a two-party system, as smaller parties struggle to win seats.
   • Can result in significant disparities between the percentage of votes received and the number of seats won.

2. Proportional Representation (PR)

   • Seats are allocated to parties based on the percentage of votes they receive, promoting a multi-party system.
   • Reduces wasted votes, as even smaller parties can gain representation.
   • Can lead to coalition governments, requiring parties to work together.

3. Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)

   • Combines FPTP and PR, allowing voters to cast two votes: one for a candidate and one for a party.
   • Aims to balance local representation with proportionality in overall seat allocation.
   • Can enhance voter satisfaction by providing more choices and representation.

4. Two-Round System

   • If no candidate receives a majority in the first round, a second round is held between the top candidates.
   • Ensures that the elected candidate has broader support from the electorate.
   • Can increase voter turnout in the second round as people feel their vote matters more.

5. Single Transferable Vote (STV)

   • Voters rank candidates in order of preference, and candidates are elected through a quota system.
   • Allows for proportional representation in multi-member districts.
   • Reduces wasted votes and encourages voter engagement through preference ranking.

6. Party-List Proportional Representation

   • Voters select a party rather than individual candidates, and parties receive seats based on their share of the vote.
   • Can be open (voters can influence candidate order) or closed (party determines candidate order).
   • Promotes diversity in representation and can lead to more women and minority candidates being elected.

7. Alternative Vote (AV) / Instant Runoff Voting (IRV)

   • Voters rank candidates, and if no candidate achieves a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed.
   • Ensures that the winning candidate has majority support.
   • Encourages voters to express preferences without fear of "wasting" their vote.

8. Block Voting

   • Voters have as many votes as there are seats available, and the candidates with the most votes win.
   • Can lead to majoritarian outcomes, often favoring larger parties.
   • May result in underrepresentation of minority groups.

9. Parallel Voting

   • Combines FPTP and PR, but the two systems operate independently, with no compensatory mechanism.
   • Voters cast separate votes for local candidates and party lists.
   • Can lead to a mixed outcome but does not fully address disproportionality.

10. Borda Count

    • Voters rank candidates, and points are assigned based on their position in the ranking.
    • The candidate with the highest total points wins.
    • Encourages consensus candidates and can reduce polarization by considering broader preferences.