IN THIS
SECTION
Stay informed with ERS email updates.
Sign up...
Systems Guide
STV: a step-by-step guide
Taken from the ERS leaflet: "What is STV?"
1. The ballot paper lists the names of the candidates from each party. Voters vote by putting a '1' next to the name of their favoured candidate, a '2' next to the name of their next favoured candidate and so on. They stop allocating preferences when they cannot decide between the candidates – they do not need to vote for them all.
2. At the count, the number of votes which candidates need in order to be elected (the 'quota') is calculated by dividing the total number of valid ballot papers by the number of people to be elected plus one. For example, with 100 valid ballot papers and three places to be filled, the quota would be 25.
3. The ballot papers are sorted into piles according to the first preferences – the '1's. If any candidate has more first-preference votes than the quota, they are immediately elected.
4. The next stage is to transfer any surplus votes for these elected candidates, i.e. the difference between their vote and the quota needed to be elected. To avoid the problem of deciding which of the votes are surplus, all ballot papers are transferred but at a reduced value so that the total adds up to the number of surplus votes.
5. After all the surpluses have been transferred, we look to see whether all the places to be elected have been filled. If they have not, then the candidate with the fewest votes is excluded and his or her votes are transferred to the voters' second preferences.
6. This process of transferring surpluses and excluding candidates continues until enough candidates have reached the quota to fill all the places to be elected.
Latest News
AV EDM: Mischief Makers out in force
Published: Tuesday, July 27th 2010
The Electoral Reform Society has criticised 40 Conservative MPs who have signed up to an Early Day Motion (EDM) proposing changing the date of the forthcoming referendum on the Alternative Vote. More...
AV: A Clear Question, a Clear Choice
Published: Thursday, July 22nd 2010
The Electoral Reform Society has welcomed the publication of a clear Yes/No question for the proposed Alternative Vote (AV) referendum. But as the bill heads to parliament the Society has urged members not to play ‘mischief makers’, and to leave the future of the electoral system in the hands of voters. More...
This Illegitimate parliament needs AV
Published: Friday, July 2nd 2010
The Electoral Reform Society has welcomed news that the promised referendum on the Alternative Vote (AV) will be announced next week. More...