What is the Difference Between Plurality and Majority?

The main difference between plurality and majority voting systems lies in the requirements for a candidate or proposition to win an election. Here are the key differences:

• Plurality Voting: In a plurality voting system, the winner is the candidate or proposition that receives the most votes compared to other options, even if it does not receive more than half of all votes cast. This system is also known as the "first-past-the-post" system. Countries that use plurality voting systems include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and India.
• Majority Voting: In a majority voting system, the winner must receive more than 50% of the total votes cast to be declared the winner. This system ensures that the winning candidate or proposition has the support of a majority of the voters. If no candidate receives a majority in the first round, a run-off election may be held between the top two candidates to determine the winner.

Advantages and disadvantages exist for both systems. Plurality voting is simpler and can produce a clear winner, but it may result in a candidate winning with less than a majority of the votes. Majority voting ensures that the winner has the support of more than half of the voters, but it may require a run-off election, which can be time-consuming and costly.

When choosing a voting system, it is essential to consider the specific context and objectives of the election to determine the most appropriate system for your needs.

Comparative Table: Plurality vs Majority

Here is a table highlighting the differences between plurality and majority voting systems:

To summarize, a plurality voting system is where people cast their vote for one of the available nominees, and the winner is the individual or entity that receives the most votes compared to others. In contrast, a majority voting system requires the winner to receive more than 50% of the votes to be declared the winner. Key differences between the two systems include the possibility of run-off elections and coalitions in plurality systems, while majority systems are less likely to require run-offs and coalitions are less common.