Why does each voter cast only one vote in a multi-member district under STV?
People who ask that question often do not see the sense of the Single Vote. They do not compare single votes under STV with the single vote under FPTP. But instead they struggle with the Single Vote because they compare the single votes under STV to the marking of multiple votes under Block Voting.
But they should notice that the mere marking of votes is different from the casting of effective votes.
Under STV most of the votes will have one of their choices elected, while under Block Voting some have all five of their choices used while others have none used.
If we are looking just the mere making of markings on ballots, then STV wins because Block voting voters mark only as many candidates as there are seats while under STV you can mark as many as candidates running (or one less than that in some cases.)
Giving each voter five votes when there are five seats open, such as happens under Block Voting, means not only the exclusion of minorities but also the defeat of majorities as well.
Under Block Voting a single voting block can take all of a district's seats, even if it does not have support of a majority of the voters. When this happens you have minority representation but only representation of one minority. And that minority is given majority of the seats.
(paraphrased from Hoag and Hallett, PR (1926), p. 148)
Thanks for reading.
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What is STV?
From a 1902 reform magazine:
"Thinking it well to have in every number something by way of a brief explanation of proportional voting, I repeat in this number the following.
Proportional representation means the use of a reasonable and scientific system of voting instead of the present stupid, unfair and inefficient procedure.
Methods: There are several systems by which the principle of proportional representation may be given effect to. Large electoral districts, each electing several members, are a necessary feature. The "quota" plan is usually employed. It means that a quota of the votes elects one representative. To arrive at the quota, the number of valid votes cast is divided by the number of seats to be filled. For instance in a seven-member district any one-seventh of the voters could elect one representative and the other six-sevenths could not interfere with their choice.
The three principal systems of proportional representation are the Free List as used in Switzerland and Belgium [party-list pro-rep], the Hare system as used in Tasmania [STV], and the Gove System as advocated in Massachusetts.
The Preferential Vote [Alternative Voting/Instant Run-off Voting] -- This is used in the election of single officers such as a mayor. It is not strictly a form of pro-rep but is akin thereto, and uses part of the same voting methods. The object of preferential voting is to encourage the free nomination of candidates and to obtain always a clear majority at one balloting, no matter how many candidates are nominated."
(From the Proportional Representation Review Dec. 1902, p. 77) (Hathi Trust online resource, page 81/180)
Check out my blog "list of Montopedia blogs concerning electoral reform" to find other blogs on this important subject.
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This year:
*Alberta is celebrating 150 years in Confederation 1870-2020
*100th Anniversary of STV first being used to elect legislators in Canada
Winnipeg MLAs first elected through STV in 1920
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