From Brian Horton, West Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Donna Lu reports on systems that allow voters who feel strongly about some issues to give them bonus votes (16 February, p 16). The result is that the minority can win votes on some issues, but overall satisfaction is increased.
A comparable system is commonly used in many parliaments, in which minor parties, or factions within major parties, agree to support positions they mildly disagree with in return for support on key issues they are determined to get through. It would be great if the general public could have the same ability to trade votes.
I might prefer one party or candidate on economic policy, another on social issues and a third for environmental matters. Under current systems, I have no way to indicate those preferences.
Perhaps we could have multiple representatives for each district, each having bonus votes in parliament on specific issues, decided by extra referendum votes alongside their election.
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