Voting systems are methods used to determine the outcome of elections by counting votes. They can vary widely, with some systems allowing voters to select one candidate, while others enable them to rank multiple candidates in order of preference. Common types include first-past-the-post, where the candidate with the most votes wins, and ranked-choice voting, which allows voters to express their preferences more fully. Different voting systems can influence election results and voter behavior. For example, proportional representation aims to reflect the overall preferences of the electorate by allocating seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives. Understanding these systems is crucial for evaluating democratic processes.