Electoral systems

Electoral systems

1. First Past the Post

   • Electors vote for one candidate within their constituency. Those with highest % within their constituency are given a seat within the House of Commons. These seats are combined until one party pass the majority at 326 seats. If no single party reach this, a Coalition is formed
     • Traditional
     • Simple
     • Cheaper than the alternative
     • Wasted votes
     • Disproportional
     • True party system
   • 2015 General Election UKIP= 12.7%= 1 seat SNP= 4.7%= 56 seats

2. Alternative Vote

   • Electors vote preferentially by ranking candidates in order. Winning candidates in the election must gain a minimum of 50% of voted cast. Votes are counted according to first preference. If no candidate reaches 50%, the bottom candidate drops out and and his/her votes are redistributed and so on until one candidate gains 50%
     • Fewer votes are wasted
     • Broader range of views
     • Emphasis on smaller parties
     • Winner could win on second choice
   • Labour leadership 2015

3. Supplementary Vote

   • Electors have two votes; a first preference and a second or supplementary vote. Winning candidates in the election must gain a minimum of 50% of all votes cast. Votes are counted according to first preference. If no candidate reaches 50%, the top two candidates remain in the election and all other candidates remain and all votes are redistributed
     • Easier to understand than AV
     • Encourages campaigning
     • Doesn't ensure the winning candidate has to support of over 50% of the electorate
     • May encourage voters to support only major parties
   • London Mayor Election 2012

4. Additional Member System

   • This is a mixed system made pup of constituency and party list elements. A proportion of seats are filled by first past the past using single-member constituencies. The remaining seats are filled using a closed party system
     • Representative
     • Allows for electoral fairness
     • Confusing system
   • Scottish Parliament

5. Single Transferrable Vote

   • These are multi-member constituencies. The full assembly has 18 constituencies each returning 6 members. Political parties are able to put up as many candidates as there are seats to fill in each constituency. Electors vote preferentially. Candidates are elected if they achieve a quota of votes
     • Highly proportional
     • Candidates are judged on personal strengths
     • Proportionality can vary
     • Strong and stable government is unlikely
     • Constituencies may be divisive
   • Northern Irish Assembly

6. Regional Party List

   • There are a number of large multi-member constituencies. Political parties complete lists of candidates to place before the electorate, in descending order of preference. Electors vote for parties not for candidates. Parties are allocated seats in direct proportion to the votes they gain in each regional constituency
     • Highly proportional
     • Promotes unity
     • Easier for women and minority candidates to be elected
     • Can lead to weak and unstable government
     • Link between constituencies and representative is weakened
     • Parties become more powerful
   • European Parliament