Small edits to new entries

docs/mediums/approval-voting.md → docs/mediums/approval_voting.md

@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
-# Approval Voting
+# Approval voting
 
 Approval voting is a form of plurality-majority voting in which each voter either positively or negatively determines all candidates’ aptitude for the job. Rather than only voting for one candidate who would best serve in the role, voters participating in approval voting either give or deny approval for each candidate and may approve as many as they see fit. The candidate with the most approval votes wins.
 
-**Input:** multiple candidates running for a single-winner position
+**Input:** ballot allowing for multiple approval or disapproval votes
 
-**Output:** single- or multiple-winner election based on majority approval
+**Output:** single- or multiple-winner election based on plurality approval
 
 ## Background
 
-Approval voting as we now know it dates back to the work of Steven Brams and other political analysts in the 1970’s. Its history can be traced to papal conclaves and Venetian Doge elections in the 13th through 18th centuries. Steven Brams also recognizes its use during elections in 19th century England. 
+Approval voting as we now know it dates back to the work of Steven Brams and other political analysts in the 1970s. Its history can be traced to papal conclaves and Venetian Doge elections in the 13th through 18th centuries. Brams also recognizes its use during elections in 19th century England. 
 
 ## Feedback loops
 
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ Approval voting as we now know it dates back to the work of Steven Brams and oth
 
 ### Oversights
 
-* Voters may engage in “bullet voting,” or only demonstrating approval for their top candidate. When this happens in a widespread fashion, the system returns to a standard plurality voting system.
+* Voters may engage in "bullet voting," or only demonstrating approval for their top candidate. When this happens in a widespread fashion, the system returns to a standard plurality voting system.
 * Candidates may water down their stances on particular controversial issues to appeal to a wide swath of voters.
 * Can reproduce the issues associated with plurality-majority voting such as unfair representation, wasted votes, and inaccurate party representation.
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ Structured ballot to facilitate voting by marks, names, written words “yes”
 
 ## Further resources
 
-*  Amy, D. J. (2000). Behind the ballot box: a citizen's guide to voting systems. Greenwood Publishing Group.
-*  Brams, S., & Fishburn, P. C. (2007). Approval voting. Springer Science & Business Media.
+* Amy, D. J. (2000). Behind the ballot box: a citizen's guide to voting systems. Greenwood Publishing Group.
+* Brams, S., & Fishburn, P. C. (2007). Approval voting. Springer Science & Business Media.
 
 

docs/mediums/proportional_representation.md

@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 # Proportional representation
 
-Proportional representation refers to the fair and accurate translation of citizen and party makeup into the legislature. If X percent of voters support a certain party, then X percent of the legislature should mirror that party. Proportional representation voting systems are comprised of three main variations: the party list system, the mixed-member system, and the single transferable vote (or choice voting).
+Proportional representation refers to the fair and accurate translation of citizen and party makeup into the legislature. If *x* percent of voters support a certain party, then *x* percent of the legislature should mirror that party. Proportional representation voting systems are comprised of three main variations: the party list system, the mixed-member system, and the single transferable vote (or choice voting).
 
-**Input:** multimember districts, diverse voting base, intentional (oftentimes low) exclusion threshold 
+**Input:** multimember districts, voting base, intentional (often low) exclusion threshold 
 
-**Output:** multiparty representation, proportional allocation of seats, potential for minority party representation
+**Output:** multiparty representation, proportional allocation of seats
 
 ## Background
 
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Proportional representation voting systems came about as a reaction to the inacc
 
 * Fair and accurate representation for multiple parties, leading to more nuanced policies
 * More accurate representation for marginalized groups
-* Votes are more meaningful; voting for a particular candidate doesn’t “take away” from another
+* Votes are more meaningful; voting for a particular candidate doesn't "take away" from another
 * Potential for smaller parties to gain representation
 * Research demonstrates higher voter turnout in PR systems
 
@@ -42,6 +42,6 @@ Many Western democracies use PR systems, including Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Nor
 
 ## Further resources
 
-* ACE Project: The Electoral Knowledge Network. "Proportional Representation".
-* Amy, D. J. (2000). Behind the ballot box: a citizen's guide to voting systems. Greenwood Publishing Group.
+* ACE Project: The Electoral Knowledge Network. "Proportional Representation."
+* Amy, D. J. (2000). _Behind the ballot box: a citizen's guide to voting systems_. Greenwood Publishing Group.