October 23, Slides 12-13 Flashcards
How does the Single Member Plurality (SMP) system allow candidates to win with less than 50% support?
In SMP, a candidate only needs to have the most votes, not a majority. This means that with three or more parties, a candidate can win even if the majority of voters prefer someone else.
Why is placing an “X” on a ballot considered a limited form of communication in SMP?
An “X” on a ballot only shows support for one candidate but does not capture voter preferences, priorities, or reasons for voting. This limitation makes it hard to understand the broader intentions behind voter choices.
What is “strategic voting,” and how does SMP encourage it?
Strategic voting occurs when voters choose a less preferred candidate to prevent someone they dislike from winning. In SMP, voters may avoid voting for smaller parties to ensure their vote isn’t “wasted.”
How does SMP hurt smaller parties?
Smaller parties often fail to win seats in SMP systems because their support is spread thin across many districts. This creates a barrier to representation for parties with significant, but not concentrated, support.
Why does SMP tend to benefit parties closer to the political center?
Center-leaning parties often have broader appeal across multiple regions. They can attract enough votes to win more districts compared to more ideologically extreme or regionally focused parties.
Why are small vote differences impactful in the SMP system?
In the SMP system, a candidate can win a seat with just a few votes over their competitors, meaning even minor differences in vote counts can result in substantial shifts in political power. This was evident in the 2013 Nova Scotia election, where close margins determined the outcome of key ridings.
How close did the NDP come to losing all their seats in NS in 2013?
The NDP was just 2,087 votes away from losing all their seats in the 2013 Nova Scotia election. Small vote margins in several ridings determined whether they retained any representation.
How close was the NDP to forming the Official Opposition in NS in 2013?
The NDP was only 2,104 votes away from forming the Official Opposition. Small differences in vote counts in specific ridings could have dramatically altered their representation and role in government.
What does the 2013 NS election highlight about SMP’s impact on party representation?
The 2013 NS election highlights that SMP amplifies the importance of small vote differences. These minor variations can lead to significant changes in seat distribution, often disproportionate to the popular vote.
How does the rejection of ballots play a role in SMP outcomes?
Rejected ballots, such as the 3,140 in the 2013 NS election, can affect close races under SMP. These ballots might have swayed the outcome of tightly contested ridings if they were counted, showing how procedural factors influence results.
