[EL] UK election and what "mandates" mean in U.S.-style plurality voting system

[Benjamin Forest, Prof.]

Here is a graph showing the (preliminary) results of the UK election compared to others in the post-war period. The outcome (in terms of the seat-vote ratio) looks to be in line with the pattern of prior elections.



[cid:1B5366C4-4FD9-4704-9510-BC9F47246A13]

On Dec 13, 2019, at 7:20 AM, Rob Richie <rr at fairvote.org<mailto:rr at fairvote.org>> wrote:

Hi, Folks,

The UK elections are a fascinating example of how a plurality voting system is not the same thing as a majoritarian voting system. Here was my tweet about it just now, linking to my piece last month anticipating yesterday's results.

I'll note that a ranked choice voting district by district might not have changed the outcome, as geographic dispersion of votes matters as well as winning districts by majorities rather than pluralities. But if you add up the parties associated with Remain, it's a clear majority, with the Conservative Party (43.6%), its Northern Ireland allies and Brexit party (2.0%) combining for about 46% of the vote.

Rob

——
Benjamin Forest
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