The Second Ballot system (SB) works similarly to the First Past the Post system, with single-member constituencies. However, if no candidate wins more than 50 per cent in the first round, a run-off is held one or two weeks later between the top two candidates in the first round. SB is like SV with a period of reflection after stage one and the second vote is cast knowing which candidates are through to round two.
Where is this system used? This system is used for presidential elections in several countries (notably in France); it is also used in France for all elections which return a single member. It is used in the UK for electing the Speaker of the House of Commons. The Conservative Party also elects their leader via a multi-round system with the last placed candidate eliminated in each round. In the US in districts that have used second ballots - experience has been a huge drop in turnout between first and second ballots.
The SB system is not any more proportional than FPTP and can give rise to problems with tactical voting; it is also expensive to run and can cause "voter fatigue". While SB is a good deal better than FPTP for electing a single candidate (e.g., for presidential elections), the lack of proportionality means it is not the most suitable system for parliamentary elections.
Pros
- There is less need to vote tactically in the first-round
- Better than FPTP for electing a single candidate e.g. president or mayor
Cons
- Highly disproportional and artificially boosts large parties
- Expensive to run and can lead to voter fatigue - risk of drop in turnout between first and second votes
- Parties that get through to the second round barter with those who didn’t to solicit official support e in the run-off. This can take power away from voters as parties may agree to stand down candidates in future elections, in exchange for support.
- If no compromise candidate reaches the second-round, it can lead to surprising outcomes
- Excluding smaller parties can foster disillusionment with the political system.
- If more than two candidates go to the second round, they can agree amongst themselves that one of their number should stand down to exclude a third
We don't think the Second Ballot system is a contender for elections in the UK - we don't believe the practice of going to vote twice for a single election would be acceptable to the majority of people in this country.
