How does the Additional Member System operate?

The Additional Member System (AMS) operates by allowing voters to cast two votes in an election. The first vote is for a candidate standing in their local constituency, which operates similarly to a traditional First Past the Post system where the candidate with the most votes in that area wins. The second vote is for a political party, which is used to allocate additional members to ensure a more proportional representation in the legislature.

This dual voting mechanism is designed to balance the direct accountability of local representatives with the broader representation of political parties. The party vote is critical for determining how many additional members are allocated to each party based on their overall share of the votes across the entire region, thereby addressing imbalances and contributing to a more representative assembly.

This structure contrasts with systems where voters may have only one vote or must rank candidates, as AMS specifically divides the process into two clear components: one local and one party-oriented. This allows voters not only to support a candidate in their area but also to endorse a political party they align with, leading to a more nuanced electoral outcome that reflects voters' preferences accurately.