Electoral districting is the process of defining geographic boundaries for electoral districts, which can significantly influence the political landscape and representation in legislative bodies. It is a critical factor in ensuring fair representation and can be subject to manipulation through practices like gerrymandering, impacting the balance of political power.
Equal representation refers to the principle that all groups or individuals should have an equal voice or presence within a decision-making body, ensuring fairness and inclusivity. It is crucial for fostering diversity, preventing discrimination, and promoting equitable outcomes in political, social, and organizational contexts.
At-large voting is an electoral system in which representatives are elected by the entire voting population of a region rather than from individual districts. This system can lead to greater representation for the majority group while potentially marginalizing minority voices, as it often results in a winner-takes-all outcome.
Vote sharing refers to the distribution of votes among different parties or candidates in an election, reflecting the level of support each receives. It is a crucial metric for understanding electoral dynamics, coalition possibilities, and the overall political landscape within a given electoral system.
Wasted votes refer to ballots that do not contribute to the election of a candidate, either because they are cast for a losing candidate or because they exceed the number needed for a candidate to win. This concept is crucial in discussions about electoral systems and their efficiency, particularly in relation to proportional representation and the fairness of vote distribution.
A qualified majority is a voting procedure used in decision-making bodies where a proposal requires a specified higher threshold of votes than a simple majority to be approved, often used to ensure broader consensus. It is commonly employed in international organizations, such as the European Union, to balance power among member states and prevent dominance by larger entities.
Proportional equality is a principle that emphasizes fairness by ensuring that resources, opportunities, or outcomes are distributed in proportion to relevant differences among individuals or groups. This concept is often applied in contexts where equal treatment would not result in fair outcomes due to varying needs, contributions, or circumstances.