What is proportional voting?

Proportional Representation (PR) is the term which describes a group of electoral systems used to elect candidates in multi-member electorates. Under PR, parties, groups and independent candidates are elected to the Parliament in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

Why is first past the post Unfair?

First past the post is most often criticized for its failure to reflect the popular vote in the number of parliamentary/legislative seats awarded to competing parties. Critics argue that a fundamental requirement of an election system is to accurately represent the views of voters, but FPTP often fails in this respect.

When did the UK vote on proportional representation?

The referendum took place on 5 May 2011, coinciding with various United Kingdom local elections, the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, the 2011 Welsh Assembly election and the 2011 Northern Ireland Assembly election.

Why does Northern Ireland use STV?

The STV system increases voter choice because they can vote for more than one candidate. They can choose between candidates within a party, as well as between parties. STV allows more voters to affect the outcome of an election.

Why is the House of Commons Green?

The colour green, both before and during the medieval period, represented the bounty of nature and fertility; the colour that is all of life. Green was the colour of the pasture and the greenwood, of the village green used by all, in other words the colour of the countryman, the ‘common’ man.

Are voters just not motivated to take part?

But, he cautions, some claim lack of knowledge when, in fact, they are just not motivated to take part. In some countries, where voting is compulsory, motivation is beside the point. North Korea, for one, claims a turnout of more than 99\% and makes it easy by having only one candidate.

Should politicians pay attention to all groups of voters?

Politicians and parties would have to pay attention to all groups of voters rather than just the better off and better educated who tend to be the ones that vote. Turnout in the 2010 general election was variable between groups. 76\% of the over 65s voted but only 44\% of the 18-24 age group.

What is the voter turnout in Australia?

In Australia turnout is well over 90\% and even in countries where the law is not enforced, such as Belgium and Turkey, the turnout is well over 80\%. Voting can be seen to be a duty of citizens just as jury service and the requirement to pay taxes are civic duties.

Are politicians elected by voters influenced by tabloid newspapers?

Politicians are elected with the votes of the least interested and most ill-informed of the electorate and these may be influenced more by the tabloid newspapers. Some voters will make a random choice on the ballot paper because they have to vote.