Hare-Clark Electoral System
In 1896, after several failed attempts, Clark was able to get a system of proportional representation adopted by the Tasmanian Parliament, but it was to be only on a trial basis for both Hobart (to elect 6 MPs) and Launceston (to elect 4 MPs). The Hare-Clark system was abandoned in 1901 and then re-adopted in 1907. It continues in use to the current day.
"The specific modification introduced by Mr A I Clark, Attorney-General for Tasmania, is the provision devised by him for eliminating the element of chance in the selection and distribution of quota-excesses or surplus transfer votes."
The provision described as Clark's own was to transfer all votes to 'next order of preference', rather than a random sample. This first 'Hare-Clark system', as it was immediately known, was renewed annually until suspended in 1902 and then finally re-introduced for the whole State in 1907. In 1896, after several failed attempts Clark was able to get a system of proportional representation adopted by the Tasmanian Parliament:- see Single Transferable Vote. The Tasmanian system of STV (now copied by the Australian Capital Territory) has become known as "Hare-Clark" in his honour (and in honour of Thomas Hare.) Clark published Studies in Australian Constitutional Law (Melbourne) in 1901.
Read more about this topic: Andrew Inglis Clark
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