Types of Electoral Systems

electoral system districts type description first-past-the-post (FPTP) single-member plurality The candidate that obtains more votes than any other is elected, even if that person only won a minority of votes cast two-round system (TRS) single-member majority A runoff election is held between the two top vote-getters, in order to ensure that the winner obtains a majority of votes cast alternative vote (AV), or instant runoff single-member majority Voters indicate an order of preference among candidates. If no candidate obtains a majority outright, the last-place candidate is removed, and the associated second-choice votes are added to the totals of the remaining candidates. The process is repeated until a candidate secures a majority. block vote (BV) multiple-member plurality Voters may cast as many votes as there are open seats. If there are n seats to be filled, the top n vote-getters are elected single non-transferable vote (SNTV) multiple-member semi-proportional Voters can only cast a single vote among candidates for n seats. The top n vote-getters are elected. single transferable vote (STV), also known as preference or choice voting multiple-member proportional Voters indicate an order of preference among candidates. Candidates whose first-choice vote totals attain the Hare Quota—(votes cast/n+1) + 1— are elected. The last-place candidate is removed, and the associated second-choice votes are added to the totals of the remaining candidates. The process is repeated until all n seats are filled. mixed member proportional (MMP) mixed proportional The legislature consists of a block of seats that are elected by plurality or majority from single-member districts, and another block of seats that are elected in multi-member districts under a proportional system. The proportional seats are awarded in such a way as to compensate for disproportional effects in the single-member district outcomes. parallel mixed semi-proportional The legislature consists of a block of seats that are elected by plurality or majority from single-member districts, and another block of seats that are elected in multi-member districts under a proportional system. The proportional seats are awarded independently of the outcomes in single-member districts. party list multiple-member proportional Voters choose from among party lists, and seats are awarded in proportion to the vote received by each party. Candidates are seated in the order listed.

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