list system

noun

: a system of proportional representation under which a voter chooses between party lists each containing as many names as there are representatives to be chosen and the number of candidates declared elected from each list is determined by the percentage cast for each list out of the total vote

all of the list systems … give the voter little or no discretion in choosing particular candidates

—H. F. Gosnell

compare hare system, preferential voting, single transferable vote

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!