In a representative democracy, the right of decision belongs to the majority, but the right to representation belongs to all. FairVote advocates for adoption of proportional voting systems for local and state elections, and for an informed debate about their merits for congressional elections.

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Iraq Holds Elections Using Full Representation Last week over 8 million Iraqis turned out to elect a 275-member parliament, and in doing so became another success story for full representation voting systems. Elections were conducted using a national party list; instead of voting for individual candidates, citizens cast ballots for political parties who were allocated seats in proportion to their share of the vote. The system maximized the number of groups which could win representation in the legislature. With full representation, 95% of voters saw the party they chose gaining a seat. Because of its inclusiveness, Iraq's voting system could be integral to keeping the unstable country in one piece. [More]

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October 19th 2009
A better election system
Lowell Sun

Election expert Doug Amy explains how choice voting can "inject new blood" into the elections of Lowell (MA), and give voters a greater incentive to participate.

October 16th 2009
Haven't Detroit voters spoken enough?
Livingston Daily

In Detroit, there have been three mayors in the past two years and the current one has come under scrutiny. Perhaps a system like instant runoff voting will help bring political stability to motor city.

August 21st 2009
Black candidate for Euclid school board to test new voting system
Cleveland Plain Dealer

Limited voting, a form of proportional voting, will be used in Euclid (OH), in the hopes of allowing better representation of minorities.

July 2nd 2009
Reforming Albany
New York Times

FairVote's Rob Richie responds in a letter to the editor making the case for proportional voting systems to bring substantive reform to New York's legislature.