Sainte-Laguë method

The Sainte-Laguë method ( French pronunciation: [sɛ̃t.la.ɡy]), also called the Webster method or the Schepers method (German pronunciation: [ˈʃeːpɐs]), is a highest averages apportionment method for allocating seats in a parliament among federal states, or among parties in a party-list proportional representation system. The Sainte-Laguë method shows a more equal seats-to-votes ratio for different sized parties among apportionment methods.

The method was first described in 1832 by American statesman and senator Daniel Webster. In 1842, the method was adopted for proportional allocation of seats in United States congressional apportionment (Act of 25 June 1842, ch 46, 5 Stat. 491). The same method was independently invented in 1910 by the French mathematician André Sainte-Laguë, and in 1980 by German physicist Hans Schepers.