FPTP v. PR
A T-Day Illustration.
![](https://otb.cachefly.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/direct-democracy-voting-ballot-box-1024x573.png)
This is not only right up my alley, but perfect for the holiday via Protect Democracy: How open are Americans to electoral system reform?
Specifically, I would note the voting simulation.
To simulate a winner-take-all election, we split respondents into single-member-districts by census region and “elected” the most popular dish in each district. Every single district voted in favor of either turkey or stuffing — a perfect emulation of the confines of our two-party system.
In a second simulation, each district was allowed to elect any dish that reached a 5% threshold of support. This proportional representation round was undeniably more tasty — in addition to turkey and stuffing, favorites like pumpkin pie, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes were added to the menu.
The district-leve results are at the link, but here’s the graphical comparison.
![](https://otb.cachefly.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-5-1024x576.png)
And BTW, to my ongoing point that the only way to forward the cause of reform is education and discussion, note the following:
![](https://otb.cachefly.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-6-1024x576.png)
![](https://otb.cachefly.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-7-1024x576.png)
More at the link.
Happy T-Day!
But where’s the turducken? And the mincemeat pie??? Sorry snark emoji is broken.
But thanks!
@Flat Earth Luddite: What are you talking about with mincemeat pie? Your daughter and wife don’t like mincemeat pie!
What’s interesting to me is that undecideds are still a significant part of the total and that “opposed” gets a significant uptick. Assuming that the undecideds now lean opposed, we can see a view into why this change might be challenging to make. Certainly, put up to a vote the “in favors” can win, but they’ll probably need to all show up to make it convincing.
@Just nutha ignint cracker:
Well, yeah, and I suppose half a mincemeat pie for the two of us is overkill. I’ve tried telling them it’s diced fruit, but alas …
Otoh, right now we’re at 1 turkey, 2 kinds of taters, green beans, 2 variants of cranberries, dressing, and salad. Plus marionberry, pecan, apple and pumpkin pie. For five of us. Starvation is imminent I fear.
No doubt.
@Flat Earth Luddite: The marionberry pie is always an interesting choice to me given that your wife has always asked me NOT to bring blackberry pie because it has seeds in it.
@just nutha:
Oh I know… Me too.
ETA especially since SHE bought it herself.
So proportional representation leads to unhealthier meals. As if obesity wasn’t already a huge problem! America needs Strong Leadership that will decide what Americans should eat to restore Western Values.
@Ken_L:
The snark is strong with you, young Padawan. Use the snark wisely!