POLS 1400 Lecture 7: Oct 8.docx
8 Dec 2014
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One candidate is elected in each constituency, and each elector has one vote to cast. Winning candidate is the one who receives a plurality of valid ballots: not necessarily a majority of the votes. If there are only two candidates, the winner automatically gets a majority. If there are several candidates who split the vote fairly evenly, the winner"s plurality may be far less than a majority. Seeks to reward parties with a percentage of seats in the legislature that reflects the percentage of votes earned in the election. Major pr system: the list system, mixed member system. Proportional representation tends to be associated with higher turnout rates. Elector votes not for individual but for parties. Each party has a list of as many candidates as there are seats to be awarded. If a party get x percent of the popular vote, then the top x percent of its list is declared elected.
