Bottoms-Up and STPV

[Norman Petry]

You might be interested to know that there is a form of Bottoms-Up which
_does_ provide proportional representation, known as STPV (Single
Transferable Proportional Vote).

In this system, transfers occur only through elimination, exactly the same
as in Bottoms-Up, so the final ranking is the same.  The way that
proportional representation is achieved is by varying the voting power of
each representative, based on their total votes received.

Essentially, each representative is given proxy votes by his/her electors to
use when making decisions.  This ensures that votes that would have been in
excess of quota under STV are not "wasted", since they can and will be cast
by the rep every time s/he votes.  The lack of proportionality under
Bottoms-Up is
thereby eliminated.  It was consideration of this system that led me to
suspect that your method would not reliably produce proportional results.

Unfortunately, although STPV is a good system of proportional representation
(probably better than STV, in fact) it cannot be used for your application,
unless you can convince the Dutch parliament to vary the voting power of
your reps!


If you'd like more information about STPV, refer to the Voting Systems FAQ
(http://www.vision25.demon.co.uk/pol/votefaq.txt).


Norm Petry