Elections and Voting Systems

What is the method used to elect MPs to the House of Commons and for local elections in England and Wales?

• First-past-the-post

• Alternative Vote

• Proportional Representation

• Single Transferable Vote

Under the First-past-the-post system, how is the UK or local authority divided for elections?

• Into regions

• Into constituencies or wards

• Into districts

• Into zones

What is the Alternative Vote (AV) used for in the House of Commons?

• To elect MPs

• To elect the majority of chairs of select committees

• To elect the Prime Minister

• To elect Scottish MPs

How do voters rank candidates under the Alternative Vote (AV) system?

• By marking a cross (X) next to their preferred candidate

• By marking 1, 2, 3, and so on next to names of candidates

• By writing the candidate's name

• By selecting a party list

What happens if no candidate reaches the 50 percent threshold in the Alternative Vote (AV) system?

• The election is declared void

• The candidate with the fewest first preference votes is eliminated

• A runoff election is held

• The candidate with the most votes wins

What is the purpose of the Supplementary Vote (SV) system? (NOTE: until 2024!)

• To elect the Mayor of London and other elected mayors in England and Wales

• To elect the Deputy Speakers in the House of Commons

• To elect the Scottish Parliament

• To elect the National Assembly for Wales

In the Supplementary Vote (SV) system, what happens if no candidate reaches the 50 percent threshold?

• The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are transferred

• The two candidates with the highest number of votes are retained and the other candidates are eliminated

• A new election is held

• The candidate with the most votes is automatically elected

What is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system used for?

• Electing the Mayor of London

• Electing the Scottish Parliament

• Electing the Northern Irish Assembly (and Deputy Speakers in the House of Commons)

• Electing the National Assembly for Wales

In the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, how is a candidate elected?

• By receiving the most first preference votes

• By achieving a minimum number of votes called a quota

• By being the last candidate remaining

• By receiving the majority of second preference votes

What is the Additional Member System (AMS) used for?

• Electing the Mayor of London

• Electing the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the London Assembly

• Electing the Deputy Speakers in the House of Commons

• Electing the Northern Ireland Assembly