Strengths and weaknesses of different electoral systems in the UKElections to local councils in Scotland

Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system

2007 marked the first time the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system was used to elect local councillors in Scotland. This followed criticisms that the previous First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system allowed a number of councils in Scotland to be dominated by a single party. It was argued that by using a form of proportional representation (PR), local government elections would be fairer and all parties would be better represented. It was also hoped that more people would turn out to vote.

Video - Single Transferable Vote (STV)

Watch this video explaining how the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system works.

How does the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system work?

STV uses multi-member constituencies of three or four councillors per ward. Each party selects a number of candidates to be elected. Voters rank their preferred candidate(s) in order of preference. To be elected a candidate needs to reach a set number of votes known as a quota. The candidate with the least number of votes drops out and their votes are re-allocated to the voters' second choices until the required number of candidates (three or four) have reached the quota and are elected. Using STV ensures there are far fewer 'wasted' votes.

2017 Scottish Council elections

After the 2017 Scottish Council elections no councils were run by one party with a majority. Three councils were run by independents, 18 were coalitions and 11 were minority party controlled. This shows that STV can make it difficult for one party to gain a majority. Having no single party in control can make it more difficult for councils to reach decisions. As a consequence, many councils formed coalitions or partnership agreements in order to achieve consensus.

2022 local council election

After the 2022 local council election, the SNP finished as the biggest party in the Scottish council elections - with Labour finishing second after the Conservatives suffered big losses. The SNP recorded strong results in many areas of the country, increasing its total number of councillors by 22 to 453. Labour - which finished third behind the SNP and Conservatives in 2017 - picked up an additional 20 seats and finished well ahead of the Tories on 282 seats to 214.

What are the advantages of STV?

• Representation – Voters can choose between parties, but also within them as many stand several candidates for each wards.
• Representation – Voters have a choice of representatives from which to seek support.
• Democratic – More views could be represented as, in theory, it may be easier for women and people from minority groups to be represented.

What are the disadvantages of STV?

• Participation/democratic – The voting system is more complex and there is some evidence that voters may be put off voting.
• Representation – As there are several representatives, voters may be confused as to which one to contact if they have an issue.
• Democratic – As STV tends to lead to coalitions, there may be compromises between the parties.