CAND A
CAND B
CAND C
Single Transferable Vote
Preferential Voting & The Mathematics of Representation
PART I — THE VOTER'S ROLE
THE BALLOT
Preferential Voting
2
1
3
- Unlike First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) where you tick one box, STV requires voters to rank candidates.
- Voters write '1' for their favorite, '2' for their second choice, '3' for their third, and so on.
- A vote is never "wasted"; if your 1st choice can't win, your vote cascades to your 2nd choice.
THE TARGET
The Winning Quota
- To win, a candidate must reach a specific mathematical threshold, not just get the most votes.
- For a single-seat election (like the President), the quota is **50% + 1** of valid votes.
- If a candidate hits the quota on the first count of '1' preferences, they are declared elected immediately.
PART II — THE ELIMINATION & BALANCE
THE ALGORITHM
1→2→3 Transfer
- If no one hits the quota, the candidate with the **lowest** number of '1' votes is eliminated.
- The eliminated candidate's ballots are examined for their '2' preferences.
- These votes are physically transferred to the remaining candidates, increasing their tallies until someone crosses the quota.
THE TRADE-OFF
Pros & Cons
- **Advantages:** Eliminates "vote splitting" and tactical voting. Ensures the winner has genuine majority support across factions. Highly democratic.
- **Disadvantages:** Highly complex to count. Slower results. Voters may not understand how transfers work, leading to spoiled ballots.
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