Types of Electoral Systems to Know for Intro to Comparative Politics

Electoral systems shape how votes translate into political power, influencing representation and party dynamics. Understanding different types, like First-Past-the-Post and Proportional Representation, helps us grasp their impact on democracy and governance across various countries.

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

   • Candidates with the most votes win, regardless of whether they achieve a majority.
   • Commonly used in single-member districts, leading to a straightforward voting process.
   • Can result in a "winner-takes-all" outcome, often favoring larger parties and marginalizing smaller ones.

2. Proportional Representation (PR)

   • Seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives.
   • Encourages multi-party systems and more diverse representation in legislatures.
   • Reduces the likelihood of wasted votes, as even smaller parties can gain seats.

3. Mixed Electoral Systems

   • Combines elements of FPTP and PR, allowing for both direct representation and proportionality.
   • Voters may have two votes: one for a candidate and another for a party.
   • Aims to balance the strengths and weaknesses of both systems.

4. Two-Round System

   • If no candidate achieves 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.
   • Commonly used in presidential elections and some legislative elections.

5. Single Transferable Vote (STV)

   • Voters rank candidates in order of preference, allowing for more nuanced voting.
   • Candidates are elected through a quota system, transferring surplus votes to other candidates.
   • Promotes proportionality and reduces wasted votes, often used in multi-member districts.

6. Party-List Proportional Representation

   • Voters select a party rather than individual candidates, with seats allocated based on party vote share.
   • Can be open (voters can influence candidate selection) or closed (party determines candidates).
   • Enhances party representation and can lead to coalition governments.

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

   • Voters rank candidates, and if no candidate receives a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes redistributed.
   • Continues until a candidate achieves a majority, ensuring broader support.
   • Reduces the impact of vote splitting among similar candidates.

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 dominant parties.
   • Commonly used in multi-member districts but can dilute minority representation.

9. Single Non-Transferable Vote (SNTV)

   • Voters cast one vote in multi-member districts, but votes cannot be transferred.
   • Can lead to strategic voting and fragmentation of party systems.
   • Often results in underrepresentation of smaller parties and overrepresentation of larger ones.

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, promoting consensus candidates.
    • Can encourage tactical voting and may not always reflect majority preferences.