STV

STV

Employs large multi-member constituencies. Voters may indicate as many preferences on their ballots as there are seats to fill, by numbering their choices (1, 2, 3 etc). In order to be elected, a candidate must achieve a quota - normally calculated using the Droop Formula
1. (Total valid votes cast / seats in constituency +1) +1
For example, in a 5-member constituency, a candidate would need to secure a sixth of the votes plus 1, as such a quota could only be achieved by 5 candidates.
1. If 600 votes are cast, the candidate would need 101 votes to be awarded a seat.
Once a quota is met, surplus votes for that candidate are transferred in accordance with 2nd preferences. Where no candidate is elected on 1st preferences, the lowest -placed candidate is eliminated & their votes redistributed. This process continues until all of the available seats have been filled.
Aims to improve voter choice, achieve clear proportionality and eliminate wasted votes through a complex system of vote transference.
Proportional system used in many elections in NI, in Scottish local (since 2007) and Eire.

Resource summary

	Created by Gabrielle Hamer over 9 years ago