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
(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.
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.