[EM] UK electoral systems "post mortem" discussion on radio

[James Gilmour]

An interesting development, but still a travesty of voter (mis)representation.

These councillors were all elected by FPTP (simple plurality) or MM-FPTP (multiple plurality) from a weird mixtures of wards: 3
wards with 3 councillors; 3 wards with 2 councillors; 2 wards with 1 councillor each.  As a result large numbers of those who voted
in these elections are not represented on the Town Council.

It may be a poke in the eye for party politics, but it doesn't do much for democratic representation of voters.  Of course, the
Independents for Frome group might be supporters of the campaign to change the voting system for local government in England.  Had a
fair voting system been in place the IfF group would not have won all 17 seats on this council given the voting patterns in the 2015
elections.

Full results here:  http://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/elections-2015/

James Gilmour
Edinburgh, Scotland



> -----Original Message-----
> From: Election-Methods [mailto:election-methods-bounces at lists.electorama.com] On Behalf Of Fred Gohlke
> Sent: 11 June 2015 15:19
> To: election-methods at lists.electorama.com
> Subject: Re: [EM] UK electoral systems "post mortem" discussion on radio
> 
> Good Morning, Gervase
> 
> Did you happen to notice the report of the election in Frome, UK:
> 
> http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/22/flatpack-democracy-peoples-republic-of-frome?CMP=share_btn_fb
> 
> Frome has elected a government of Independents.  The article describes the ongoing process of eliminating political parties from
city
> government.  It also mentions other communities in the UK that are taking similar steps.
> 
> It's worth noting that these efforts are taking place in a country with multiple parties.  Many people think additional parties or
> proportional representation will cure our political malaise.  That does not seem to be the case.
> 
> My only quibble with the movement in Frome is the means by which they select their candidates.  If anyone reads the article and
> would like to discuss the selection of candidates, I'll be happy to participate.
> 
> Fred Gohlke
> ----
> Election-Methods mailing list - see http://electorama.com/em for list info


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