FPTP

• What is FPTP known as?

  Plurality electoral system
• What does it mean for a candidate to win in FPTP?

  The winning candidate needs only one more vote than the second place
• Can a candidate win in FPTP without receiving 50% of the votes?

  Yes, a candidate can win with less than 50% of the vote
• What was the lowest proportion of votes a member was elected with in Belfast South?

  24.5%
• What does it mean for over 75% of the constituency to have a representative they did not vote for?

  It indicates a lack of proportional representation in the election
• What are the two types of seats created by FPTP?

  • Safe seat: Little chance of changing parties due to a large majority.
  • Marginal seat: Very slim majority, likely to change hands between elections.
• What is a safe seat?

  A seat with little chance of changing parties due to a large majority
• Give an example of a safe seat.

  Labour in Liverpool Wavertree
• What is a marginal seat?

  A seat with a very slim majority that is likely to change hands
• What was the most marginal seat ever and when was it?

  Exeter in 1910, won by 1 vote
• How many voting areas are there in the UK?

  650 voting areas
• What must a candidate do to stand for election in a constituency?

  A candidate must pay a deposit
• What happens to the deposit if a candidate receives more than 5% of the vote?

  The deposit is refunded
• How do voters cast their votes on election day?

  Voters cast their vote for one candidate
• What happens after the votes are counted?

  The candidate with the most votes wins
• How many constituencies must a party secure to win the election outright?

  326 constituencies
• What is the formula to calculate the number of constituencies needed for a majority?

  50% + 1 of the total constituencies
• What happens if no party secures 326 constituencies?

  A confidence & supply or coalition agreement may be made
• What forms if no agreement can be made after an election?

  A minority government forms
• Is FPTP fit for purpose