Voting systems are methods used to determine the outcome of elections and decision-making processes. They can vary widely, from simple methods like first-past-the-post, where the candidate with the most votes wins, to more complex systems like ranked choice voting, where voters rank candidates in order of preference. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, affecting how representative the results are of the voters' true preferences.
Different countries and organizations adopt various voting systems based on their specific needs and values. For example, proportional representation aims to reflect the diversity of opinions in a legislature, while majoritarian systems focus on achieving a clear winner. Understanding these systems helps voters make informed choices and engage in the democratic process.