Manitoba Stronger Together
Voting Systems Explained
How Your Vote Is Counted — and What It Means
Many Canadians believe that the person with the most votes always wins — but that’s not always the case. From first-past-the-post elections to points-based leadership races, the way we count votes can significantly shape the outcome. Understanding the system helps you vote more strategically and advocate for reform when needed.
Section One
First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)
This is the system used in Canadian federal and provincial elections.
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How It Works:
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The candidate with the most votes in a riding wins, even without a majority.
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There is no second round, and no requirement to reach 50%.
Why It’s Controversial:
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A party can win a majority government with less than 40% of the vote.
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Smaller parties are underrepresented.
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Strategic voting often dominates: many vote against someone rather than for a preferred candidate.
Section Two
Weighted Point Systems (Leadership Elections)
Used in some party leadership races, such as the PC Party of Manitoba in 2025.
How It Works:
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Each riding is assigned a set number of points (often 100), regardless of how many votes are cast there.
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Votes in low-turnout ridings are “worth more” than those in high-turnout ridings.
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The candidate with the most points, not necessarily the most votes, wins.
Why It Matters:
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This system attempts to equalize regional influence but can undermine voter equality.
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It has sparked controversy, especially when the candidate with the most votes loses the race.
Section Three
Alternative Voting Systems
There are other models used around the world:
Proportional Representation (PR)
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Seats are allocated based on the percentage of the popular vote.
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Better reflects actual voter preferences.
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Common in Europe and New Zealand.
Ranked Ballot (Instant Runoff)
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Voters rank candidates in order of preference.
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If no one wins a majority, lowest-ranked candidates are eliminated and votes redistributed.
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Reduces vote splitting.
Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP)
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Combines local representation with party-list seats.
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Voters cast two votes: one for a local candidate, one for a party.
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Proposed (but rejected) in past Canadian referenda.
Section Four
Why It Matters to You
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Know how your vote is counted — and weighed.
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Understand how systems affect party strategies, rural/urban power balances, and democratic legitimacy.
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Push for electoral reform where current systems fail to reflect the public will.
Section Five
Final Takeaway
The outcome of an election isn’t just about who votes — it’s about how those votes are tallied. If you want meaningful change, start by understanding the rules of the game.