@sarahc The US needs to move to real proportional representation: one person, one vote that actually counts.
@sarahc the downside to that is a lack of representation of different groups with diverse interests, different communities with different needs, and lack of respect for regional differences around the large country.
Everything involving US election methods revolves around balancing competing and valid interests, even setting aside corrupt issues.
The other thing is that in the US system we hold representatives personally accountable for their actions. I keep track of how MY member is voting, and I call him and yell at him.
Proportional voting breaks that link as well.
I'd say proportional voting has a place in some circumstances, but the US is big, diverse, and has complex challenges that our voting system has to deal with.
I WOULD absolutely get away from first past the post, though. Still elect specific reps, but do it through ranked voting.
@volkris The same applies here with MMP. I can phone my local MP and talk to her.
@volkris @sarahc NZ recognised that by moving from first past the post to a Mixed Member Proportional System - we have a mix of local representatives and list members. It preserves the representation of local interests while ensuring what the US calls 'the popular vote' prevails.