Electoral systems
Types of electoral systems
FPTP
Simple plurality system.
Most votes wins, not necessary with a majority.
The party with the most seats forms a government.
650 constituencies in the UK.
FPTP leads to a strong government and gives voters a clear choice.
FPTP provides strong representation. 72,000 people per MP.
However, votes do not translate into seats. 2015: SNP 1.4M for 56 seats; UKIP 3.8M for 1 seat.
Votes could be considered wasted if they aren't for a main party.
Often the government has a minority of the popular vote, which weakens the government's mandate.
Single transferable vote (STV)
Used by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Voters cast a first and second choice vote. If no candidate reaches the quota in the first round, then the lowest candidate is eliminated and those voters' second choice is added.
Offers large choice for voters. There can be multiple members from a party and lots of parties.
Encourages positive campaigning.
Fewer wasted votes and votes are more equal to seats.
The process is longer and more complicated than FPTP.
Weaker government with lower seats and less legislative power.
Additional Member System (AMS)
Two votes: One FPTP and another for a party list.
Additional members are added to regional constituencies to match how the constituencies voted.
Scottish Parliament: 73 FPTP members and 56 AMS members. 8 regions and 7 proportional members per region.
AMS gives more choice.
Smaller parties are less well represented in AMS because the party list system benefits the major parties.
Supplementary vote
Used in London Mayoral elections.
The winner must have 50% of the popular vote. If not, the voters' second choices are added to the candidates total.
The voter casts a first and second choice vote.
A simple system that stops candidates winning with a minority of support.
Referendums
A vote on a specific issue which asks citizens to make a decision, often a yes or no response.
Often for important national or constitutional decisions.
2016: EU referendum promised by Cameron as a result of internal party conflict and UKIP pressure.
1997: Blair held referendums in Scotland and Wales on national assemblies.
2011: Conservatives and Lib Dems held a referendum on the AV system due to their coalition agreement.
2014: Scottish independence 48.1 - 51.9.
1998: NI assembly and London Mayor.
Debate on referendums
For
Against
Increased political awareness and engagement of voters. 81% in the NI Good Friday agreement ref. and 84.6% in the Scottish independence ref.
Clear outcome leads to resolution of political arguments.
Leads to direct voter power.
It may violate Parliamentary sovereignty.
General public may not understand the complex issue.
The results can be manipulated by misinformation and the phrasing of the question.
Low voter turnout affects the legitimacy of the decision.