In a message dated 4/9/02 6:19:42 PM, you wrote:
<<My hometown, Oshkosh, WI, used what appears to be the equivalent of an Approval Vote in the last City Council election. There were 4 candidates for 3 seats in an at-large (multi-winner) district, and the ballot instructed voters to "Vote for not more than 3" - see the sample ballot at: http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/City_Clerks/ballots/ward12.gif>> ---- D- Many local governments have primary elections in which a primary voter may vote for up to N choices with the top 2xN choices being nominated. In the general election, a voter may vote for up to N choices. Some areas have limited votes (CT ???) --- a limited form of approval -- such as being able to vote for 4 but 5 are elected (such that minorities can win some seats). Same with cumulative voting. For more info on proportional representation and semi-p.r. systems see-- http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/polit/damy/prlib.htm A source of information on proportional representation elections -- including beginning readings, in-depth articles by scholars and activists, an extensive bibliography, and a guide to related Web sites. --- Book- Behind the Ballot Box A Citizen's Guide to Voting Systems By Douglas J. Amy Praeger Paperback. Westport, Conn. 2000. 248 pages LC 00-029841. ISBN 0-275-96586-4. B6586 $19.95 A cloth bound edition is available: 0-275-96585-6, $65.00 ** Table of Contents ** -- Preface -- Introduction -- What Are Voting Systems and Why Are They Important? -- Criteria for Evaluating Voting Systems -- Plurality-Majority Voting Systems -- Proportional Representation Voting Systems -- Semi-Proportional Voting Systems -- Voting Systems for Single-Office Elections -- Making Your Final Choice -- Appendixes -- Selected Bibliography -- Index ** Author ** DOUGLAS J. AMY is Professor of Politics at Mount Holyoke College [in MA] Greenwood Publishing Group, 88 Post Road West, Westport CT 06881, (203) 226-3571
