Electoral reform
Electoral reform is a change in electoral systems that alters how public desires, usually expressed by cast votes, produce election results. == Description == Reforms can include changes to: Voting systems, such as the adoption of proportional representation, single transferable voting, a two-round system (runoff voting), instant-runoff voting (alternative voting, ranked-choice voting, or preferential voting), instant round robin voting (called condorcet voting), range voting, approval voting, citizen initiatives, referendums, and recall elections Vote-counting procedures Rules about political parties, typically changes to election laws Eligibility to vote (including widening of the vote, enfranchisement and extension of suffrage to those of certain age, gender or race/ethnicity previously excluded) How candidates and political parties are able to stand (nomination rules) and how they are able to get their names onto ballots (ballot access) Electoral constituencies and election district borders, which can include consideration of multiple-member districts as opposed to single-member districts Ballot design and voting equipment Scrutineering (election monitoring by candidates, political parties, etc.) Safety of voters and election workers Measures against bribery, coercion, and conflicts of interest Financing of candidates' and referendum campaigns Factors which affect the rate of voter participation (voter turnout) Electoral reforms can contribute to democratic backsliding or may be advances toward wider and deeper democracy.