FPTP v. PR
A T-Day Illustration.
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.
And BTW, to my ongoing point that the only way to forward the cause of reform is education and discussion, note the following:
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!