2.13 Types of voting systems (3)

In proportional representation systems (PR) we use so-called divisors (denoted with d) to proportionally distribute seats.

The divisor is derived from the proportionality principle: \[\frac{s_i}{S} = \frac{v_i}{V} \forall i\]

Roughly speaking, to obtain a seat in PR, party or candidate have to gain at least as many votes as the value of the divisor. The divisor is the minimum number of votes required for a party or candidate to capture a seat.

• So-called simple or standard divisor equals the number of total valid votes divided by the number of available seats.

PR methods will be discussed later in detail.