PREFERENTIAL VOTING Flashcards
When and why did the senate stop using preferential voting
The Senate stopped using preferential voting in 1949. This was because the problems encountered in the Senate under FPP continued with PV. There were still large majorities created by winner’s bonuses in both houses and minor parties were underrepresented
Under PV, Senates continued to be captured by the two major parties, turning it into a rubber stamping body, with limited effective review and state representation
Why is preferential voting
Under PV, Senates continued to be captured by the two major parties, turning it into a rubber stamping body, with limited effective review and state representation
What type of electoral system does the House of Representatives use
The House of Representatives uses exhaustive preferential voting (or full preferential voting) because every candidate must be ranked / numbered.
What are the advantages of the Preferential Voting System
The requirement for an absolute majority enhances majority rule
Vote splitting is eliminated between political parties
Reduces vote wastage
The single member per electorate promotes accountability
What are the disadvantages of Preferential Voting System
Has a small increase of informal votes (the elector has misunderstood how to vote)
Some vote wastage – can be up to 49%
The ‘winner’s bonus’ promotes overrepresentation of major political parties, and under representation for some electors, but not as much as FPP
Smaller parties can trade their preferences to other candidates in return for some policy commitments
