Elections are the most fundamental aspect of democracy. Through elections, individuals have the ability to choose who they believe will best represent them and who will work towards the betterment of their community. Many Canadians are very familiar with the way in which they elect representatives on a federal and provincial level. The way in which we elect individuals at these levels is usually very similar. However, more variety in electoral systems and unique results of elections can be found at the municipal level. The two most commonly found electoral systems are the ward system and the at-large system. Both the ward and at-large systems effect how different groups are represented with elections, voting and other factors also effecting representation. What are the effects of elections and electoral systems on the amount of representation citizens feel? What can be done to increase representation in municipal government?
Wards and at-large systems work in drastically different ways and have …show more content…
At the heart of elections and democracy is the ability of individuals to vote and have their voice heard through their casting of a ballot. There are many different factors individuals take into account when voting. Some of these factors that heavily influence local elections include the popularity of the candidate, whether or not they are an incumbent, and political leanings/ideology. One factor that is closely tied to representation itself is the idea of affinity voting. What if any, does the role of affinity voting have on the results of municipal elections?
Research has shown that affinity voting is not particularly common in federal politics because of political parties. However, as most cities don’t have political parties and candidates are seen simply as individuals there is potential for affinity voting to take hold (Bird et al., p
Wards and at-large systems work in drastically different ways and have …show more content…
At the heart of elections and democracy is the ability of individuals to vote and have their voice heard through their casting of a ballot. There are many different factors individuals take into account when voting. Some of these factors that heavily influence local elections include the popularity of the candidate, whether or not they are an incumbent, and political leanings/ideology. One factor that is closely tied to representation itself is the idea of affinity voting. What if any, does the role of affinity voting have on the results of municipal elections?
Research has shown that affinity voting is not particularly common in federal politics because of political parties. However, as most cities don’t have political parties and candidates are seen simply as individuals there is potential for affinity voting to take hold (Bird et al., p