Voting Methods In Single-Member Districts And Their Properties

Abstract

The paper starts with the defi nitions of fi ve major voting methods that can be applied in single-member districts. Then the political consequences of single-member districts are discussed. The special attention is paid to those consequences that are considered negative and to potential ways of neutralizing them. The next section compares selected subtle effects of using simple majority rule versus alternative vote. The fi nal section reviews methods that mix proportional representation and majoritarian components.