Understanding Proportional Representation

The video tutorial explains how proportional representation works in elections with multiple candidates. It describes the voting process in Victoria, where voters rank candidates by preference. The concept of a quota, which is the number of votes needed for a candidate to be elected, is explained. An example is provided to illustrate how votes are counted and redistributed until all positions are filled. The video emphasizes the importance of voter preferences and concludes with resources for further information.

What is the main principle of proportional representation?

• Candidates are elected randomly.

• Candidates are elected in proportion to their support from voters.

• Candidates are elected based on their campaign spending.

• Candidates are elected based on their popularity.

In proportional representation, how do voters express their preferences?

• By voting for a political party.

• By selecting candidates from a list.

• By ranking candidates in order of preference.

• By voting for a single candidate.

What determines the quota in an election using proportional representation?

• The number of candidates running.

• The number of votes cast.

• The number of political parties.

• The number of candidates to be elected.

In the example provided, how many votes are needed to meet the quota?

• 36 votes

• 50 votes

• 40 votes

• 25 votes

What happens to a candidate's surplus votes in proportional representation?

• They are given to the candidate with the fewest votes.

• They are used to elect the next candidate automatically.

• They are discarded.

• They are distributed to other candidates based on voter preferences.

What occurs when no candidate reaches the quota after surplus votes are distributed?

• The candidate with the most votes is elected.

• A new election is held.

• The candidate with the fewest votes is excluded.

• The election is declared invalid.

Why are voter preferences crucial in proportional representation?

• They help decide which candidates are elected.

• They affect the campaign strategies of candidates.

• They determine the order of candidates on the ballot.

• They influence the number of candidates running.

Where can voters find more information about proportional representation in Victoria?

• vec.vic.gov.au

• victoria.gov.au

• elections.vic.gov.au

• vote.vic.gov.au

What is the final step in filling all positions in an election using proportional representation?

• Counting all votes again.

• Excluding all candidates with the fewest votes.

• Filling all places for the electorate.

• Re-distributing all votes.