Voting Representation: Voting Systems Use these links to navigate the main sections of the Voting: Representation section. Links for navigating the entire voting section, as well as the rest of the Law, Diversity and the Vote site are at the bottom of the page. Introduction | How We Choose Our Candidates | Voting Systems | The Electoral College Do We Have Enough Representation? YOU Vote! Winner-Takes-All According to the Center for Voting and Democracy, most election in the U.S.- including all Congressional elections - involve “single-member districts” and the “winner-take-all” principle. Voters who vote for the candidate who receives the most votes have representation of their choice. Proportional Systems Most of the world’s democracies use proportional representation rather than the United State’s winner-takes-all system. In proportional representation systems, individuals or political parties gain office in direct relation to their support among voters. Under proportional representation, representatives are elected to multi-seat districts-meaning more than one representative is elected to each district, and any group of like-minded voters will win seats in proportion to its share of the popular vote. For more about proportional representation from the perspective of those who favor it, click here. (Center for Voting & Democracy) How Voting Systems Affect Representation The winner-takes-all principle is believed to negatively effect representation of minorities, women, and third-party supporters. Proportional representation offers diverse representation, but only when groups vote as a unit within their district. Some people believe proportional representation means voters can gain representation in proportion to their level of support and that it follows the democratic ideal of “one person, one vote” by ensuring it means “one person, one effective vote.” Voting Systems & Voter Turnout According to the Center for Voting and Democracy, in nearly every country with proportional representation, more people vote, more parties gain office, more women are elected, and more policy reflects majority interests. Citizens believe their voice is heard, even if they are members of a minority, and they take a more active role in politics. Because they take a more active role, their interests are represented when policy is decided. For more about voter turnout, click here. >>Youth Citizenship >>Voter Registration >>Representation >>Campaign Reform Conversation | *Voting* | Activities | Resources Online Conversations | Law, Diversity, and the Vote