Proportional Voting Around the World
Around the world, a variety of voting systems are used - from
single member districts to choice voting to party list
systems (and everything in between) - the nations within our global
community display a staggering
array of voting systems. In spite of this, one thing is clear -- the
modern trend is toward using proportional voting systems, as most
industrialized nations and all of the newly
emerging democracies in the former Eastern Bloc have done, as well as
in Iraq
and Afghanistan. Most of the lingering
winner-take-all, first-past-the-post systems exist in former British
colonies, including in the United States. Ironically, even as we
maintain our own unrepresentative electoral system in America, the
United Kingdom is beginning vigorous discussions to move away from the
very winner-take-all system it brought to our shores many years ago. In
light of these global developments, FairVote monitors news coverage of
international electoral systems changes.- For information on international electoral systems, please download IDEA's manual. [.pdf - 3.2 MB]
- For examples of international ballot designs, please visit Andrew Reynold's site. [More]
- For information on redistricting procedures around the world, please visit EPIC's site. [More]
- Read our analysis of international elections using proportional voting in 2005. [More]
February 11th 2005
Afghan Poll Date Depends on Creating Voting Districts, UN Says
Bloomberg.com
The electoral system of a single non-transferable vote is also being challenged by some political parties that favor more proportional representation, she saidFebruary 11th 2005
A royal wedding ... oh, that deep sinking of the heart
Guardian
Proportional representation comes from another part of the brain, less hierarchical, less certain, more consensual - but somehow "not the British way"February 8th 2005
VOTING REFORM AGAIN ON THE CARDS
Isle of Man Today
That was how some experts in electoral reform described the Island's decade-long dalliance with proportional representation. NowFebruary 7th 2005
The new US century is over
China Daily
America 's antiquated winner-take-all electoral system has been abandoned by most other democracies for more inclusive versions of proportional representation.February 6th 2005
Thai PM set for second term
Reuters
Thaksin�s Thai Rak Thai party would win 329 of the 400 constituency seats and 70 of 100 seats available in a party list system of proportional representationFebruary 3rd 2005
IFA reforms structures and procedures
Irish Examiner
The Irish Farmers Association agreed to radically reform its structures and procedures at a marathon meeting in Dublin after significant compromises were reached on a number of key proposals.January 31st 2005
The ballot box beats the coffin
Assyrian International News Agency
Turnout in Iraq's elections is higher than expected, although the vote was disrupted by violence in some areas.January 21st 2005
Group advocates change in electing officials
Osceola News Gazette
Dr. Terri Fine advocates cumulative voting as the key to getting minoritites elected to office in Osceola Co, FLJanuary 21st 2005
Iraq Election: Wider Significance
Assyrian International News Agency
A balanced analysis of how the upcoming elections will affect the political stability of IraqJanuary 18th 2005
Democratic Reform: Can political system stomach a makeover?
The Telegraph-JournalJanuary 17th 2005
Iraqis Discuss Voting, Or Not, in Elections Held Amidst Chaos
The New Standard
Discussion of who is likely to participate in the Iraqi elections and why.January 17th 2005
Inside Politics: Front-runner Dean
Washington Times
Former presidential candidate Howard Dean appears to be the front-runner to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee.January 13th 2005
The German Greens hit 25: a tale of two parties
Der Spiegel online (English version)January 10th 2005
Recent elections drive redistricting reform:
California Aggie
Discussion of the issues leading to redistricting reform in California, and the potential benefits of a full representation system.January 9th 2005
Consider alternate systems of voting
Sacramento Bee
How a commission to examine full representation systems in California elections would be a step beyond Governor Schwarzenegger's plans for redistricting reform.January 5th 2005
Communist Party calls for single electoral district
The Daily StarJanuary 5th 2005
Election frenzy
Al-AhramJanuary 3rd 2005
A nervous new year for Rhodri
Western MailJanuary 1st 2005
Democracy at a Crossroads
The California Journal
Steven Hill writes an in-depth account of the various democracy reforms proposed and needed in California. He shows how a move to full representation would have a far greater impact on politics than the mooted redistricting reforms.December 31st 2004
UDF wants president to control deputy
The NationDecember 27th 2004
Candidate calls for system of proportional representation
The Daily StarDecember 24th 2004
Duma passes in first reading proportional representation bill
InterfaxDecember 23rd 2004
NGOs propose election reforms in Sri Lanka
TamilnetDecember 14th 2004
Minor parties hope to overcome odds and win big
Taiwan NewsDecember 13th 2004
Why women hate politics
The New StatesmanDecember 11th 2004
Taiwan to elect new Legislative Yuan
The China PostDecember 10th 2004
The changing face of democracy
CBC NewsDecember 9th 2004
Political Connections: Greens, Liberals Drove Assembly to STV
The Georgia StraightDecember 5th 2004
The $20,000 bargain to keep your seat
San Francisco Chronicle
Competitve elections will not be achieved through redistricting but by replacing the winner-take-all system with a proportional voting systemNovember 30th 2004
Election to reserved seats for women to be indirect
The Daily StarNovember 29th 2004
Hugs, tears as assembly says farewell
The Vancouver SunNovember 26th 2004
The art of the possible
The Daily StarNovember 26th 2004
Current electoral system needs review
Ancaster NewsNovember 24th 2004
No small wins in supersizing
Calgary SunNovember 21st 2004
Facts about the Iraq vote
Reuters, United KingdomNovember 21st 2004
America: restoring democracy
TomPaine.com
It's time to modernize and democratize our elections; several reforms our open to us.November 20th 2004
No More Sham Elections
New York Times
The New York Times looks at the lack of competition inherent in the U.S. congressional elections and quotes FairVote's Rob Richie on the seriousness of these problems.November 19th 2004
Hamas demands new Palestinian election system
Haaretz InternationalNovember 18th 2004
Try choice voting
Davis Enterprise
A letter to the editor, from electoral reform proponent Chris Jerdonek, making the case for the use of choice voting in City Council elections in Davis, CA.November 17th 2004
NEC: Allay, Don't Justify Fears
The AnalystNovember 17th 2004
One, two, three - get ready for B.C.'s new way of voting
Victoria NewsNovember 15th 2004
Ottawa may open debate on electoral reforms
The Globe and MailNovember 14th 2004
Proportional voting system phased out
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Cumulative voting could greatly benefit the black community in Pittsburgh.November 4th 2004
Reforms, Freedom in Egypt
Assyrian International News AgencyOctober 28th 2004
Afghanistan: Experts Voice Concern Over 2005 Afghan Parliamentary Elections
Radio Free EuropeOctober 27th 2004
Democrat for a day, reformer for life
FairVote Chairman John Anderson discusses the 2004 election and the state of our electoral system. He proposes multimember district proportional representation and instant runoff voting as solutions to reinvigorate American democracy.October 27th 2004
After the Election:
Metro ActiveOctober 19th 2004
ASUCD Senators should educate student body, not change the system
California Aggie
UC Davis defeats a bill to repeal choice votingSeptember 14th 2004
Assembly opinions devastating for B.C.'s electoral system
The Vancouver SunSeptember 8th 2004
Democracy commission to release report
CBCAugust 29th 2004
Redistricting Carves out a Tight Race
Houston ChronicleAugust 19th 2004
Professor's analysis: Cumulative voting OK
Amarillo Globe News
Only 1.3% of voters cast overvotes and 1.2% cast undervotes in May 2004 cumulative voting election in Amarillo.August 15th 2004
To some, eccentric voting system offers much
The Boston Globe
This article highlighting the benefits of choice voting in Cambridge, Massachusetts, features CVD's general counsel, Dan Johnson-Weinberger.August 10th 2004
Jordan's Rankings Unchanged in Human Development Report 2004
The Jordan Times
A UNDP report examining the progress on human development in Jordan cited proporational representation as an effective means of maintaining the cultural freedoms of migrant populations.August 9th 2004
The Monday Interview: Iraq's elder statesman and potential president
The IndependentAugust 8th 2004
Q&A With Hendrik Hertzberg
Pioneer Press
Interview with Board Member Hendrik Hertzberg touching on PR.August 4th 2004
Try it in Alberta
The Globe and MailAugust 4th 2004
More Power for Assembly Says Hain
BBC NewsAugust 1st 2004
Five districts or One Sumter?
Leesburg Daily Commercial (FL)
This article weighs the relative merits of cumulative voting for use in Florida county elections, including supportive commentary from academics.July 22nd 2004
Legco IPO Today
The StandardJuly 21st 2004
Multiplying Mayors
Metro Active
This article examines why single-member districts are sometimes ineffective, Steven Hill explains the merits of a proportional representation systemJuly 20th 2004
A Peaceful Alternative for Iraq
Taipei TimesJuly 20th 2004
Women's Reserved JS Seats Challenged; HC Bench May Hear Petition Against 14th Amendment Today
The Daily StarJuly 20th 2004
A Peaceful Alternative for Iraq
Taipei TimesJuly 18th 2004
Uri Party to Revise Election and Political Funding Laws
The DongaJuly 15th 2004
Newman On-Line � The Big Double-Tick
The ScoopJuly 10th 2004
The Whys and Wherefores of House of Councilors Elections
The Japan TimesJuly 10th 2004
New Zealand System a 'Qualified Success'
Toronto StarJuly 10th 2004
Making It Count
The Toronto StarJuly 9th 2004
5 Provinces Consider Voting Changes
The Globe and MailJuly 6th 2004
The Right Plan for Iraqi Voters
The Washington PostJuly 2nd 2004
Proportional Representation Reflects Variety
Daily Star OnlineJuly 2nd 2004
Launa Wins Poll
The NationalJune 30th 2004
Editorial: NDP to Play Key Role
Toronto StarJune 30th 2004
Putting a New Face on Voting
Toronto Star
If Canada would have used proportional voting in their recent elections, the makeup of the new House of Commons would have been different, though still divided.June 30th 2004
Lucky Citizens
The AgeJune 29th 2004
Three Parties Squeezed in First-Past-the-Post System Have Chance to Change It
CNewsJune 29th 2004
NDP's Layton Ready to Play Central Role
Montreal GazetteJune 26th 2004
Birth of a Grassroots Transformation
The Scotsman
An analysis of the impact that the introduction of choice voting will have in Scotland.June 26th 2004
Birth of a Grassroots Transformation
The ScotsmanJune 24th 2004
PR Voting will Loosen Labour Hold on Local Authorities
The ScotsmanJune 24th 2004
Proportional Representation Aids Democracy Proportional Representation Aids Democracy
The Globe and MailJune 24th 2004
UK Elections: Gains for Smaller Parties
ePolitics.comJune 23rd 2004
Go-Ahead for New Election System
Glasgow Evening TimesJune 23rd 2004
Reforming the Country's Electoral System
Daily Times of NigeriaJune 22nd 2004
Voters Support Election Reforms
The HeraldJune 18th 2004
Launch of Lobby for More Powers
The Western MailJune 18th 2004
PNG Electoral Official Hails Success of New Voting System
ABC Radio AustraliaJune 15th 2004
Joseph Muscat Gets Labour's First Seat
The Times of MaltaJune 14th 2004
Conservatives Lose Their Place in the Sun
The ScotsmanJune 13th 2004
Setback for Irish Ruling Party as Sinn Fein Vote Surges
Channel News AsiaJune 13th 2004
Iraqis Set for Proportional Representation in Election
The Washington TimesJune 12th 2004
Narrow Victory for Mayor Who Returned to the Fold
The GuardianJune 11th 2004
Get Involved in the Health of Your Community
ScoopJune 10th 2004
Jamie wins poll: Beats close rival Wai 23,408 votes to 18,610
The NationalJune 10th 2004
'Proportional' Voting Favoured, Opposed
Whistler Question
Whistler Canada considering replacing current electoral system with PR.June 6th 2004
Voting Intelligently
The Times of MaltaJune 5th 2004
Iraq's Interim Prime Minister Vows to Reclaim Sovereignty
The New York TimesJune 4th 2004
Pro-Business Farry to Slash Dunedin Red Tape
The National Business ReviewJune 4th 2004
Iraq forms election commission
Reuters
Article on arrangements for Iraqi elections.[ Previous ] [ Next ]
Afghan Poll Date Depends on Creating Voting Districts, UN Says
Bloomberg.com
The electoral system of a single non-transferable vote is also being challenged by some political parties that favor more proportional representation, she saidFebruary 11th 2005
A royal wedding ... oh, that deep sinking of the heart
Guardian
Proportional representation comes from another part of the brain, less hierarchical, less certain, more consensual - but somehow "not the British way"February 8th 2005
VOTING REFORM AGAIN ON THE CARDS
Isle of Man Today
That was how some experts in electoral reform described the Island's decade-long dalliance with proportional representation. NowFebruary 7th 2005
The new US century is over
China Daily
America 's antiquated winner-take-all electoral system has been abandoned by most other democracies for more inclusive versions of proportional representation.February 6th 2005
Thai PM set for second term
Reuters
Thaksin�s Thai Rak Thai party would win 329 of the 400 constituency seats and 70 of 100 seats available in a party list system of proportional representationFebruary 3rd 2005
IFA reforms structures and procedures
Irish Examiner
The Irish Farmers Association agreed to radically reform its structures and procedures at a marathon meeting in Dublin after significant compromises were reached on a number of key proposals.January 31st 2005
The ballot box beats the coffin
Assyrian International News Agency
Turnout in Iraq's elections is higher than expected, although the vote was disrupted by violence in some areas.January 21st 2005
Group advocates change in electing officials
Osceola News Gazette
Dr. Terri Fine advocates cumulative voting as the key to getting minoritites elected to office in Osceola Co, FLJanuary 21st 2005
Iraq Election: Wider Significance
Assyrian International News Agency
A balanced analysis of how the upcoming elections will affect the political stability of IraqJanuary 18th 2005
Democratic Reform: Can political system stomach a makeover?
The Telegraph-JournalJanuary 17th 2005
Iraqis Discuss Voting, Or Not, in Elections Held Amidst Chaos
The New Standard
Discussion of who is likely to participate in the Iraqi elections and why.January 17th 2005
Inside Politics: Front-runner Dean
Washington Times
Former presidential candidate Howard Dean appears to be the front-runner to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee.January 13th 2005
The German Greens hit 25: a tale of two parties
Der Spiegel online (English version)January 10th 2005
Recent elections drive redistricting reform:
California Aggie
Discussion of the issues leading to redistricting reform in California, and the potential benefits of a full representation system.January 9th 2005
Consider alternate systems of voting
Sacramento Bee
How a commission to examine full representation systems in California elections would be a step beyond Governor Schwarzenegger's plans for redistricting reform.January 5th 2005
Communist Party calls for single electoral district
The Daily StarJanuary 5th 2005
Election frenzy
Al-AhramJanuary 3rd 2005
A nervous new year for Rhodri
Western MailJanuary 1st 2005
Democracy at a Crossroads
The California Journal
Steven Hill writes an in-depth account of the various democracy reforms proposed and needed in California. He shows how a move to full representation would have a far greater impact on politics than the mooted redistricting reforms.December 31st 2004
UDF wants president to control deputy
The NationDecember 27th 2004
Candidate calls for system of proportional representation
The Daily StarDecember 24th 2004
Duma passes in first reading proportional representation bill
InterfaxDecember 23rd 2004
NGOs propose election reforms in Sri Lanka
TamilnetDecember 14th 2004
Minor parties hope to overcome odds and win big
Taiwan NewsDecember 13th 2004
Why women hate politics
The New StatesmanDecember 11th 2004
Taiwan to elect new Legislative Yuan
The China PostDecember 10th 2004
The changing face of democracy
CBC NewsDecember 9th 2004
Political Connections: Greens, Liberals Drove Assembly to STV
The Georgia StraightDecember 5th 2004
The $20,000 bargain to keep your seat
San Francisco Chronicle
Competitve elections will not be achieved through redistricting but by replacing the winner-take-all system with a proportional voting systemNovember 30th 2004
Election to reserved seats for women to be indirect
The Daily StarNovember 29th 2004
Hugs, tears as assembly says farewell
The Vancouver SunNovember 26th 2004
The art of the possible
The Daily StarNovember 26th 2004
Current electoral system needs review
Ancaster NewsNovember 24th 2004
No small wins in supersizing
Calgary SunNovember 21st 2004
Facts about the Iraq vote
Reuters, United KingdomNovember 21st 2004
America: restoring democracy
TomPaine.com
It's time to modernize and democratize our elections; several reforms our open to us.November 20th 2004
No More Sham Elections
New York Times
The New York Times looks at the lack of competition inherent in the U.S. congressional elections and quotes FairVote's Rob Richie on the seriousness of these problems.November 19th 2004
Hamas demands new Palestinian election system
Haaretz InternationalNovember 18th 2004
Try choice voting
Davis Enterprise
A letter to the editor, from electoral reform proponent Chris Jerdonek, making the case for the use of choice voting in City Council elections in Davis, CA.November 17th 2004
NEC: Allay, Don't Justify Fears
The AnalystNovember 17th 2004
One, two, three - get ready for B.C.'s new way of voting
Victoria NewsNovember 15th 2004
Ottawa may open debate on electoral reforms
The Globe and MailNovember 14th 2004
Proportional voting system phased out
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Cumulative voting could greatly benefit the black community in Pittsburgh.November 4th 2004
Reforms, Freedom in Egypt
Assyrian International News AgencyOctober 28th 2004
Afghanistan: Experts Voice Concern Over 2005 Afghan Parliamentary Elections
Radio Free EuropeOctober 27th 2004
Democrat for a day, reformer for life
FairVote Chairman John Anderson discusses the 2004 election and the state of our electoral system. He proposes multimember district proportional representation and instant runoff voting as solutions to reinvigorate American democracy.October 27th 2004
After the Election:
Metro ActiveOctober 19th 2004
ASUCD Senators should educate student body, not change the system
California Aggie
UC Davis defeats a bill to repeal choice votingSeptember 14th 2004
Assembly opinions devastating for B.C.'s electoral system
The Vancouver SunSeptember 8th 2004
Democracy commission to release report
CBCAugust 29th 2004
Redistricting Carves out a Tight Race
Houston ChronicleAugust 19th 2004
Professor's analysis: Cumulative voting OK
Amarillo Globe News
Only 1.3% of voters cast overvotes and 1.2% cast undervotes in May 2004 cumulative voting election in Amarillo.August 15th 2004
To some, eccentric voting system offers much
The Boston Globe
This article highlighting the benefits of choice voting in Cambridge, Massachusetts, features CVD's general counsel, Dan Johnson-Weinberger.August 10th 2004
Jordan's Rankings Unchanged in Human Development Report 2004
The Jordan Times
A UNDP report examining the progress on human development in Jordan cited proporational representation as an effective means of maintaining the cultural freedoms of migrant populations.August 9th 2004
The Monday Interview: Iraq's elder statesman and potential president
The IndependentAugust 8th 2004
Q&A With Hendrik Hertzberg
Pioneer Press
Interview with Board Member Hendrik Hertzberg touching on PR.August 4th 2004
Try it in Alberta
The Globe and MailAugust 4th 2004
More Power for Assembly Says Hain
BBC NewsAugust 1st 2004
Five districts or One Sumter?
Leesburg Daily Commercial (FL)
This article weighs the relative merits of cumulative voting for use in Florida county elections, including supportive commentary from academics.July 22nd 2004
Legco IPO Today
The StandardJuly 21st 2004
Multiplying Mayors
Metro Active
This article examines why single-member districts are sometimes ineffective, Steven Hill explains the merits of a proportional representation systemJuly 20th 2004
A Peaceful Alternative for Iraq
Taipei TimesJuly 20th 2004
Women's Reserved JS Seats Challenged; HC Bench May Hear Petition Against 14th Amendment Today
The Daily StarJuly 20th 2004
A Peaceful Alternative for Iraq
Taipei TimesJuly 18th 2004
Uri Party to Revise Election and Political Funding Laws
The DongaJuly 15th 2004
Newman On-Line � The Big Double-Tick
The ScoopJuly 10th 2004
The Whys and Wherefores of House of Councilors Elections
The Japan TimesJuly 10th 2004
New Zealand System a 'Qualified Success'
Toronto StarJuly 10th 2004
Making It Count
The Toronto StarJuly 9th 2004
5 Provinces Consider Voting Changes
The Globe and MailJuly 6th 2004
The Right Plan for Iraqi Voters
The Washington PostJuly 2nd 2004
Proportional Representation Reflects Variety
Daily Star OnlineJuly 2nd 2004
Launa Wins Poll
The NationalJune 30th 2004
Editorial: NDP to Play Key Role
Toronto StarJune 30th 2004
Putting a New Face on Voting
Toronto Star
If Canada would have used proportional voting in their recent elections, the makeup of the new House of Commons would have been different, though still divided.June 30th 2004
Lucky Citizens
The AgeJune 29th 2004
Three Parties Squeezed in First-Past-the-Post System Have Chance to Change It
CNewsJune 29th 2004
NDP's Layton Ready to Play Central Role
Montreal GazetteJune 26th 2004
Birth of a Grassroots Transformation
The Scotsman
An analysis of the impact that the introduction of choice voting will have in Scotland.June 26th 2004
Birth of a Grassroots Transformation
The ScotsmanJune 24th 2004
PR Voting will Loosen Labour Hold on Local Authorities
The ScotsmanJune 24th 2004
Proportional Representation Aids Democracy Proportional Representation Aids Democracy
The Globe and MailJune 24th 2004
UK Elections: Gains for Smaller Parties
ePolitics.comJune 23rd 2004
Go-Ahead for New Election System
Glasgow Evening TimesJune 23rd 2004
Reforming the Country's Electoral System
Daily Times of NigeriaJune 22nd 2004
Voters Support Election Reforms
The HeraldJune 18th 2004
Launch of Lobby for More Powers
The Western MailJune 18th 2004
PNG Electoral Official Hails Success of New Voting System
ABC Radio AustraliaJune 15th 2004
Joseph Muscat Gets Labour's First Seat
The Times of MaltaJune 14th 2004
Conservatives Lose Their Place in the Sun
The ScotsmanJune 13th 2004
Setback for Irish Ruling Party as Sinn Fein Vote Surges
Channel News AsiaJune 13th 2004
Iraqis Set for Proportional Representation in Election
The Washington TimesJune 12th 2004
Narrow Victory for Mayor Who Returned to the Fold
The GuardianJune 11th 2004
Get Involved in the Health of Your Community
ScoopJune 10th 2004
Jamie wins poll: Beats close rival Wai 23,408 votes to 18,610
The NationalJune 10th 2004
'Proportional' Voting Favoured, Opposed
Whistler Question
Whistler Canada considering replacing current electoral system with PR.June 6th 2004
Voting Intelligently
The Times of MaltaJune 5th 2004
Iraq's Interim Prime Minister Vows to Reclaim Sovereignty
The New York TimesJune 4th 2004
Pro-Business Farry to Slash Dunedin Red Tape
The National Business ReviewJune 4th 2004
Iraq forms election commission
Reuters
Article on arrangements for Iraqi elections.[ Previous ] [ Next ]