Elections are a fundamental element of democracy, giving citizens the power to select their leaders and shape the course of their countries. But did you know that there are many unusual election methods around the world? Some of these methods are quite old, while others are new and innovative. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the most unusual election methods from around the world.
The Borda Count:
The Borda count is a voting method that has been used for centuries. It involves assigning a point value to each candidate based on the rank they are given by the voter. For example, if there are five candidates, the voter will rank them from 1 to 5. The candidate ranked first will be assigned 5 points, the candidate ranked second will be assigned 4 points, and so on. The candidate with the most points wins.
Approval Voting:
Approval voting is a simple voting method where voters can approve of as many candidates as they like. The candidate with the most approvals wins. This method is often used for nonpartisan elections, such as school board elections.
Instant Runoff Voting:
Instant runoff voting (IRV) is a preferential voting method that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of the first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the voters’ second-choice preferences. This process continues until a candidate receives a majority of the votes.
Two-Round System:
The two-round system is a method used in many countries, including France and Brazil. In this system, if no candidate receives a majority of the votes in the first round, a second round of voting is held between the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round. The candidate who receives the most votes in the second round wins.
Cumulative Voting:
Cumulative voting is a method used in some American jurisdictions, including Illinois and Texas. In this system, voters are given as many votes as there are seats to be filled. They can either cast all their votes for one candidate or distribute them among multiple candidates. This allows minority groups to have a better chance of winning representation on a board or council.
Single Non-Transferable Vote:
The single non-transferable vote (SNTV) is a method used in some Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea. In this system, voters cast a single vote in multi-member constituencies, and the candidates with the most votes win the seats. This system can lead to a disproportionate representation of major parties and can make it difficult for smaller parties or independents to win seats.
Open List:
The open list system is used in many European countries, including Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. In this system, voters can select individual candidates from a party’s list of candidates, and the candidates with the most votes are elected. This allows voters to have more control over who is elected from their preferred party.
Single Transferable Vote:
The single transferable vote (STV) is a preferential voting system used in some countries, including Ireland and Malta. In this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference, and candidates are elected based on a quota. If a candidate receives more votes than the quota, their surplus votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the voters’ second-choice preferences. This process continues until all the seats are filled.
Weighted Voting:
Weighted voting is a system used in some organizations, including the United Nations General Assembly. In this system, each member state is given a certain number of votes based on their size or contribution to the organization. This can give smaller countries more influence in decision-making processes.
Quadratic Voting:
Quadratic voting is a relatively new voting method that has gained popularity in some circles. It is a market-based system where voters are given a budget of “voice credits” that they can allocate to the candidates or issues they care about. The cost of allocating additional credits to a candidate or issue increases quadratically with each additional credit, which means that voters who care strongly about a particular candidate or issue can allocate more credits to it, but at a higher cost.
Random Selection:
Random selection, also known as sortition, is a method used in some countries and organizations to select representatives or decision-makers. In this system, individuals are randomly selected from the population to serve as representatives or to participate in decision-making processes. This can help ensure that a diverse range of perspectives is represented.
Deliberative Polling:
Deliberative polling is a method that combines voting with deliberation and discussion. In this system, a representative sample of the population is selected to participate in a structured dialogue about the issues or candidates. The participants are then given the opportunity to vote on the issues or candidates based on the information and insights they have gained from the deliberative process.
Elections are an essential component of democracy, but the methods used to conduct them can vary widely. From the traditional Borda count to the innovative quadratic voting, the methods explored in this article demonstrate that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to conducting fair and representative elections. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these different methods, we can continue to improve the democratic process and ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard.