Try the political quiz
@ISIDEWITHQuestionsElectionsDemocracyElectoral reformProportional representationCoalition GovernmentVoting Systems•••Started 4mos agoActive 1wk ago

Should the government use a "Proportional Representation" voting system?

First Past the Post (FPTP) is the voting system currently used for UK general elections, where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins a seat in Parliament. Proportional Representation (PR) refers to electoral systems where the distribution of seats corresponds more closely with the proportion of the total votes cast for each party. Proponents argue that PR is fairer, as it ensures every vote counts and leads to a Parliament that better represents the diverse views of the country. Opponents argue that FPTP is superior because it is simple to understand, maintains a strong link between MPs and their local constituencies, and typically produces strong, stable governments rather than unstable coalitions.

+
Expand

Knowledge quiz

How much do you know about Elections?

See if you know more than the average UK.

Test your knowledge!

24 Replies

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

Yes

 @BCPXNCNagreed…2mos2MO

We need a system where every vote counts, too many current election results so not represent the constituency. I’d also make voting mandatory, even a ‘non of these’ choice mandatory.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

Yes, but adopt a "mixed system" that keeps local MPs while ensuring proportional fairness.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

No

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

Yes, if a party earns 20% of the votes, they deserve 20% of the seats.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

Yes, the current "winner-takes-all" system is rigged and leaves millions voiceless.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

No, we need strong majority governments, not chaotic coalitions.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

No, it allows dangerous extremist parties to hold the government hostage.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

No, voters deserve a local representative, not a party bureaucrat chosen by elites.

 @BF22278Green answered…1wk1W

No, there are better non-FPTP voting systems than PR. Single Transferrable Vote should be implemented.

 @BDZZQG9answered…1wk1W

Not 100% but FPTP is much worse

 @BDZW44Banswered…1wk1W

This would depend on the exact system proposed; something like STV, yes; list PR, no.

 @B644N65  from Maine  answered…1wk1W

No, introduce instant-runoff voting instead

 @BDY3YRLanswered…2wks2W

A ranked choice system should be introduced

 @BDLH7KBfrom Ontario  answered…1mo1MO

No, introduce a preferential voting system instead

 @BDFS5LT answered…1mo1MO

No, Single Transferable Vote is a superior voting system that removes the need for tactical voting and allows voters voices to be heard.

 @BDHYRBNanswered…1mo1MO

Does not bother me

 @BDF6YZBanswered…1mo1MO

Have larger constituencies that each elect multiple MP’s (~5-6) that use a form of proportional representation to decide which MP’s are elected

 @BD5NLSDanswered…2mos2MO

The entire UK parliamentary system is outdated and absurd. A full restructure should take place in which we look to other countries with a much simpler and more efficient government.

 @BD2SHQMGreen answered…2mos2MO

Yes, and use an Irish-style Single Transferrable Vote (STV) system.

 @BCZC7LMfrom Texas  answered…2mos2MO

Additional member system

 @BB5W2YGAlba answered…4mos4MO

Switch to rank choice ballot instead with and switch to two MPs per consitiuenty with the top two being made MPS

 @BBJQT56answered…4mos4MO

No, for all the reasons above. Plus, I am not convinced about the reliability of the single transerable vote system.

 @BBHVKGWanswered…4mos4MO

No, but we do need voting reform and consideration given for alternative vote

Demographics

Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion

Loading data...

More conversations

Join in on more popular conversations.

Active 2mos ago

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...…6yrs6Y

Should critical race theory be taught in K-12 education?

No

▲  19.8k6 replies4 agree1 disagree