Electoral Systems Questions
The alternative vote plus (AV+) electoral system has several advantages.
1. Greater representation: AV+ ensures that smaller parties have a better chance of being represented in the legislature. This is because voters have the option to rank their preferred candidates, allowing for a more diverse range of political voices to be heard.
2. Majority support: AV+ ensures that the winning candidate has majority support from the electorate. This is because if no candidate receives an absolute majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on the voters' second preferences. This process continues until a candidate secures a majority.
3. Reduced tactical voting: AV+ reduces the need for tactical voting, where voters strategically vote for a candidate they perceive as having a better chance of winning, rather than their preferred candidate. With AV+, voters can rank their preferred candidates without worrying about wasting their vote or splitting the vote.
4. Increased voter choice: AV+ provides voters with more choice as they can rank candidates in order of preference. This allows voters to express their nuanced preferences and support multiple candidates, rather than being limited to a single choice.
5. Enhanced legitimacy: AV+ can enhance the legitimacy of elected representatives as they are more likely to have majority support from their constituents. This can lead to increased trust and confidence in the electoral system and the elected officials.
Overall, the alternative vote plus electoral system offers advantages such as greater representation, majority support for winning candidates, reduced tactical voting, increased voter choice, and enhanced legitimacy.