SainteLaguëSchepers

SainteLaguëSchepers is a theoretical apportionment method that combines aspects of the Sainte-Laguë divisor method with features associated with the Schepers approach to seat allocation in proportional representation systems. It aims to improve proportionality while addressing rounding biases seen in standard divisor methods.

The method is described as a two-stage process. In the first stage, seats are allocated according to the Sainte-Laguë divisor sequence (1, 3, 5, 7, …), yielding provisional tallies in proportion to party shares. In the second stage, a Schepers-inspired adjustment reorders a subset of seats to mitigate remaining bias and to favor smaller parties, using a secondary criterion or a weighting parameter that blends the two rules.

Proponents argue that SainteLaguëSchepers preserves monotonicity and overall proportionality while reducing large swings due to rounding. Critics note that the two-stage structure can reduce transparency and predictability, and the outcome can depend on the chosen weighting scheme.

While discussed in academic discussions of apportionment methods, SainteLaguëSchepers has not been widely adopted in real-world elections. Its use would require formal statutes and clear definitions to ensure reproducibility and accountability.

See also: Sainte-Laguë method; Schepers method; apportionment methods; proportional representation; seat allocation.