Library of Parliament Publication on Electoral Systems and Electoral Reform in Canada and Elsewhere

Earlier this year, the Library of Parliament published an overview of Electoral Systems and Electoral Reform in Canada and Elsewhere:

"Over the years, the system Canada uses to elect members of Parliament has been a frequent subject of discussion and examination. The electoral system Canada currently uses, known as a plurality or first-past-the-post system, has been employed for every federal election since Confederation."

"An understanding of the operation of Canada’s electoral system, along with its alternatives, is important for ensuring that the way citizens elect their representatives continues to reflect public expectations and demands."

"Recently, the government committed to establishing a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform, including preferential ballots, proportional representation, mandatory voting and online voting."

"This paper provides an overview of Canada’s electoral system, a description of the main alternative electoral systems used in other countries, a review of past Canadian federal and provincial electoral reform initiatives, and information on mandatory voting, online voting and lowering the voting age."

"The appendix contains a map showing electoral systems and voter turnout - one indicator of the efficacy of electoral systems - around the world."