Changes

Most elections in the United States and many other countries are based on a popular vote in which whoever gets the most votes in the election, which is called a plurality, is declared the winner. This is sometimes known as "first past the post" voting.

Most elections in the United States and many other countries are based on a popular vote in which whoever gets the most votes in the election, which is called a plurality, is declared the winner. This is sometimes known as "first past the post" voting.

An alternative method is to require a candidate to get a majority; if no one gets a majority, the two top vote-getters will have a run-off election, and whoever gets more votes in the run-off is the winner.

An alternative method is to require a candidate to get a majority; if no one gets a majority, the two top vote-getters will have a run-off election, and whoever gets more votes in the run-off is the winner. Another method is "mixed member proportional" where by voters can elect the preferred leader (and associated party) but also vote for which party represents their district in government. This creates a situation where the party with the largest share of the vote must get support from smaller parties in order to gain a majority.  

Another alternative, used for most elections in [[Australia]], is [[preferential voting]], in which voters put a number against each candidate on their ballot paper, in their order of preference.

Another alternative, used for most elections in [[Australia]], is [[preferential voting]], in which voters put a number against each candidate on their ballot paper, in their order of preference.