1.2 Types of Electoral Districts

Single-Member vs Multi-Member

Broadly speaking, there are two general categories of electoral districts. Single-Member and Multi-Member. In a single-member district, one office or position is being contested. There may be many candidates or parties contesting the election, but only one candidate will be elected as the winner. Similarly, in a multi-member district, there will also be multiple candidates or parties participating in the election; however, there is more than one winner from a given district.

Example: Ward System vs At-Large

Consider the example of electing a council to represent a city or township. Let’s assume the town needs to elect four councillors to represent the townspeople. The town could choose between two methods of electing the council. One method, the most common option, is to divide the town into four geographic areas, often called wards. In each ward, candidates would compete to be the representative on the council. Since only one candidate can win each ward, they are single-member districts. The council will be composed of the four winning candidates from each ward.

Key Point: Ward System

• The town is divided into wards.
• One member is elected from each ward.
• Each ward is a single-member district.

 

 

 

 

 

Conversely, the town could simply invite all interested candidates to compete in a city-wide election, regardless of their specific location. Instead of wards, the candidates would compete in one giant district – called an at-large district – with the top four candidates serving as the town council. Since four candidates will be elected from the district, it can be considered a multi-member district.

Key Point: At-Large System

• The town is not divided into wards.
• Multiple candidates compete for four spots in one large district.
• The four candidates with the highest vote totals are the winners.

 

 

District Magnitude

The number of candidates (winning candidates) to be elected from each electoral district is known as the district magnitude. A district magnitude of one indicates that voters will select one candidate. There may be many candidates contesting the election; however, only one will be named the winner. Multi-member districts will have a district magnitude greater than one, which means several representatives will be elected from each district. Table 1.2.1 compares district magnitude across two countries.