Electoral Systems and Voting Theory
Learn about the simplest electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, used in 'first-past-the-post' and 'winner-take-all' scenarios.
Examine voting systems that require the winner to receive more than half of the votes, often involving a second round or runoff if not achieved in the first.
Discover how votes are translated into seats with proportional representation, allowing for a closer match between percent of votes and seats won.
Understand systems that combine elements of majority/plurality and proportional representation, aiming to balance the benefits of each.
Delve into how preferential voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of choice, potentially leading to a more consensus-based election result.
Explore the STV method used for proportional representation in multi-member constituencies, where votes are transferred according to preferences.
Learn about party-list electoral systems, where voters vote for parties and parties receive seats in proportion to their overall share of the vote.
Discover the Alternative Vote, also known as 'instant-runoff voting', where voters rank candidates and rounds of counting eliminate the least popular candidates.
Investigate the method where a candidate who would win a majority against any other candidate in a head-to-head contest is preferred.
Study the Borda count method where candidates are ranked, and points awarded based on position in the ranking, determining the winner.
Examine the voting method where voters score each candidate and the one with the highest total score wins.
Discover how approval voting allows voters to select all candidates they approve of without ranking, leading to a potentially wider consensus.
Get insights into electoral college systems like the one used in U.S. presidential elections, where an intermediate body ultimately elects the president.
Learn about the various technologies and methods used in voting, from traditional paper ballots to electronic and online systems.
Explore the psychological factors and behaviors that influence how and why people vote the way they do.
Examine the critical issues of electoral integrity, the challenges facing electoral systems, and the potential reforms to improve them.