Voting Systems Explained

First Past the Post (FPTP)

Voters select one candidate per constituency. The candidate with the most votes wins. Simple but can produce disproportionate results. Used in UK, US, Canada, India.

Proportional Representation (PR)

Seats allocated proportionally to vote share. Ensures smaller parties get representation. Can lead to fragmented legislatures and coalition governments. Used in South Africa, Netherlands, Israel.

Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)

Combines constituency seats with proportional top-up seats. Voters get two votes. Balances local representation with proportionality. Used in Germany, New Zealand.

Two-Round System

If no candidate wins a majority in round one, the top two face a runoff. Ensures the winner has majority support but requires two elections. Used in France, Brazil.

Preferential Voting (IRV)

Voters rank candidates in order of preference. Lowest-ranked candidates are eliminated and votes redistributed until someone has a majority. Used in Australia.

Electoral College

Voters elect electors who then choose the president. Each state gets electors equal to its congressional delegation. Winner-take-all in most states. Used in the United States.