votetoseat

Votetoseat is a theoretical mechanism for allocating seats in a representative body according to the votes received by individual candidates rather than by party lists. In a votetoseat system, voters cast ballots for candidates; seats in the chamber are assigned to the candidates with the highest vote totals until all seats are filled, subject to predefined thresholds such as minimum turnout or vote share. Some designs separate districts: in multi-member bodies, multiple seats per district would be allocated according to the ranking of votes within that district; in national bodies, across the entire electorate.

The main differences from other systems: It emphasizes individual accountability and can be more resilient to vote-splitting than certain party-list approaches. It can be combined with turnout thresholds to prevent seat capture with low participation.

Proponents argue it reduces wasted votes and aligns representation more closely with the amount of support a candidate has. Critics contend that votetoseat can encourage tactical voting, marginalize minority parties with concentrated support, and create instability if vote totals fluctuate between elections. Designing thresholds and fallback rules, such as overhang seats and coalitions, can mitigate some issues but add complexity.

In practice, votetoseat remains primarily a theoretical construct discussed in electoral reform literature and pilot studies or simulations; no large-scale government has implemented it as a formal system. It is often discussed alongside proportional representation and ranked voting as a way to balance direct accountability with fair representation.