A system of voting, as at primaries, in which the voters are allowed to indicate on their ballots their preference (usually their first and second choices) between two or more candidates for an office, so that if no candidate receives a majority of first choices the one receiving the greatest number of first and second choices together in nominated or elected.
where voters rank candidates on a ballot paper in order of preference
A system of voting in which the voter lists candidates in order of preference. That is, by putting the number '1' in the box beside their first choice candidate, the number '2' beside their second choice and so on until the required number of candidates are numbered. (See optional preferential voting)
A system of voting in which the voter completes the ballot paper by putting the number '1' in the box beside their first choice candidate, the number '2' beside their second choice and so on until all candidates are numbered.
Electoral systems in which voters can rank-order candidates on the ballot paper in order of their choice. The Alternative Vote, the Single Transferable Vote and the system used to elect the Sri Lankan president are all examples of preferential voting. We prefer the term, choice voting, for the proportional form of preferential voting, which is also referred to the single transferable vote (STV).
A voting system whereby voters are required to cast votes in a preferential order for all candidates (see also Optional preferential voting).
Called the "Australian Ballot" internationally, the preferential system of voting requires that the voter number (sequentially) the candidates on the ballot paper, and that a system of counting and recounting based on elimination occurs until one candidate secures an absolute majority of votes and is duly elected. This system has modified versions (see optional preferential voting) and is often compared with simple majority voting systems.
A vote for all candidates in order of preference. If no candidate has an absolute majority of first preference votes, preferences are distributed until one candidate has an absolute majority. This system of voting is used for the Legislative Assembly in Victoria, for the House of Representatives in Federal elections, and for the Lower House in most other states.
A voting system (sometimes called Alternative Vote) in which each electorate elects one MP and the elector lists candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the first preference votes the lowest polling candidate is eliminated and his or her votes are redistributed according to 2nd preferences. This continues until a candidate gains more than 50 percent of the vote and is thus elected. Used for the Australian lower house elections
A method of voting where electors are required to mark the ballot-paper by using sequential numbers according to their preference for all candidates. At the count, a candidate receiving an absolute majority, at least one more than 50% of the formal vote is elected. If no candidate achieves this then the preferences of the least successful candidate are distributed to remaining candidates until one candidate has an absolute majority. This system of voting and counting is used in House of Assembly elections. See Optional Preferential Voting. Further explanation of Preferential Voting (full) is available in the animated presentation "How Your Vote Counts".