Plurality: the winning candidate in each electoral district gets more votes than any other candidate

Proportional: number of seats political parties win is close to their overall popular vote

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Between two and seven. Most districts would elect four or five MLAs. The number of voters per MLA would be very similar to First-Past-the-Post.

Substantial differences between smaller urban and larger rural electoral districts.

Average size would be larger than now, because more than one MLA would be elected from each electoral district. There would still be smaller urban districts and larger rural districts.

Proportionality is not a goal of the system. There is often a wide variance between popular vote and seats won.

Generally high degree of proportionality, but there can be some variance from strict proportionality. Results become more proportional as the district magnitude of an electoral district increases.

Candidates listed alphabetically by surname, with party affiliation noted.

Candidates grouped by party. The names of candidates within a group would be rotated at random. Independent candidates would each be listed separately.

The order of groups would be rotated at random.

Ballots in most electoral districts have five to eight candidates.

More candidates than currently. The numbers would vary depending on the district magnitude.

A four-member or five-member electoral district might have between 12 and 18 candidates.

Voters make a cross or a tick mark next to their preferred candidate.

Voters rank as many candidates as they wish, in order of preference (1,2,3,4 etc.). At least a first choice must be indicated for the ballot to be valid.

Candidate with the most votes wins that electoral district.

An electoral quota (the number of votes needed to win) is established based on the district magnitude and number of votes cast.

Any candidate who reaches the quota is elected.

Transfers of votes take place from elected candidates that have a surplus of votes and from candidates with the fewest votes to determine further successful candidates.

See a more complete description on our Counting the Votes page.

Often results in majority governments, particularly when elections are contested between two main political parties. However, minority governments are also possible.

Majority governments become less likely because election results are more proportional.

Minority and coalition governments become more likely.