An electoral system is a method used to determine how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislative body or for a specific office. Different systems can influence the outcome of elections and the representation of various groups within a government. Common types include first-past-the-post, proportional representation, and ranked choice voting. These systems can vary significantly from one country to another, affecting political parties and voter engagement. For example, in a first-past-the-post system, the candidate with the most votes wins, while in proportional representation, parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.