May have one of two distinct meanings: a. The number of votes which guarantees a party of candidate two win one seat in a particular electoral district in a proportional representation system. There are three variants in common use, the Hare , Droop (or Hagenbach-Bischoff) and Imperiali quotas. b. A number of seats in an elected body or a proportion of candidates nominated by a party or grouping which are required by law to be filled by representatives of a particular kind; most commonly used to ensure the nomination and election of a minimum number of women.
What is quota?
The term Quota refers to a threshold or calculated number of votes used in some electoral systems to determine entitlement to a seat, election, or transfer of surplus votes. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How does quota work?
In practice, Quota applies the electoral rule described by the term: a threshold or calculated number of votes used in some electoral systems to determine entitlement to a seat, election, or transfer of surplus votes. Officials use the specified votes, seats, quotas, districts, or thresholds to determine representation.
How can quota affect representation?
In practice, Quota applies the electoral rule described by the term: a threshold or calculated number of votes used in some electoral systems to determine entitlement to a seat, election, or transfer of surplus votes. Officials use the specified votes, seats, quotas, districts, or thresholds to determine representation.
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May have one of two distinct meanings: a. The number of votes which guarantees a party of candidate two win one seat in a particular electoral district in a proportional representation system. There are three variants in common use, the Hare , Droop (or Hagenbach-Bischoff) and Imperiali quotas. b. A number of seats in an elected body or a proportion of candidates nominated by a party or grouping which are required by law to be filled by representatives of a particular kind; most commonly used to ensure the nomination and election of a minimum number of women.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Quota. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/quota
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