Ireland
has the Best Electoral System in the World Aspiration: Every voter will be represented by a legislator that he or she voted for.
Seem impossible? Let’s take an example.
There are 67 Senate districts in Minnesota. But let’s simplify by saying there were 65. If we combined these districts so there were 13 districts with 5 senators in each district, we could use a Full Representation voting system. Most voters would have at least one senator that they voted for.
So if five senators were elected from Minneapolis from one big district, instead of from five separate districts, it’s likely that one or two Republicans would win. This would be the first time in many years that a Republican in Minneapolis would have a legislator that he voted for. It’s also possible that a Green Party candidate could get 20% of the votes and win a seat as well.
Meanwhile, out in Shakopee–Chaska–Eden Prairie, etc., where Republicans dominate, this would enable a DFLer to get one or two of the five seats. And perhaps even an Independence Party candidate.
Your vote would count. You would have someone you agree with from your district. You would also have someone you disagree with–someone you can try to convince. This representation gives you more of a stake in what happens at the Capitol. It also gives the two major parties some meaningful competition.
You would still have one legislator in the House of Representatives who came from your particular area.
With a system of Full Representation in place, everyone wins representation, not just the largest group. All races are competitive, meaning incumbents have to earn reelection. Since everyone's vote is important, real issues are debated, and more people vote.
The Secretary of State does not have the power to put this kind of voting in place. This would have to be enacted into law. But the Secretary of State can promote plans like this and participate in their implementation.
Here are some links to more information about Full Representation, also called Proportional Representation or PR.
No Contest Elections (most
elections in Minnesota are totally predictable because of the lack
of competition within geographic districts—full representation would change
that)
FAQs on Proportional Representation
Map of electoral systems--most countries have now adopted PR