Voting systems have a profound effect on electoral outcomes, shaping representation and the overall democratic process. Different systems, such as first-past-the-post, proportional representation, or ranked-choice voting, can influence party dynamics, voter engagement, and the effectiveness of governance. For example, proportional representation often encourages multi-party systems, leading to greater diversity in the legislature. In contrast, winner-takes-all systems may marginalize smaller parties, affecting political discourse and resulting in less representative outcomes. Ultimately, the chosen voting system can dictate how well the electorate's preferences are mirrored in governance.