Local Government Election Practices - by Roger L Kemp (Paperback)

About the Book

The book provides an introduction to local election practices, a review of traditional election methods, and a discussion of future issues, potential solutions, and their implications. Complete details are given for such practices as the ward system, at-large plurality system, combined system, limited voting, cumulative voting, proportional representation, and alternative voting, and their myriad variations. Two appendices detail the National Civic League's suggested election guidelines.

Book Synopsis

Traditional local election methods--district, at-large, and hybrid approaches--are changing. There is a movement toward election reform. The purpose of Local Government Elections is to sort through and make sense of the various, sometimes complex, election system options at the local level. The book provides an introduction to local election practices and a review of traditional election methods. Also addressed are the issues, potential solutions, future trends and implications regarding local government elections. In addition, two appendices detail the National Civic League's suggested election guidelines for both city and county governments.

While most published works on election practices focus on the federal and state levels of government, Local Government Elections is one of the few that deals solely with the city and county units of government. Complete details are given for such practices as the ward system, at-large plurality system, combined system, limited voting, cumulative voting, proportional representation, and alternative voting, and their myriad variations.

Review Quotes

"an exceptional handbook on local government...an outstanding presentation of current issues and possible solution[s] in local government effectiveness...essential"-ARBA; "highly recommended"-findarticles.com.

About the Author

Roger L. Kemp, Ph.D., ICMA-CM, has been a city manager on both the East and West coasts for more than 25 years. He is presently Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Golden Gate University and a Fellow of The Academy of Political Science.