STV Basics: quick revision, 14 bites

What is STV?

Vote for candidates, not just parties.

**Single Transferable Vote (STV)** is a *proportional representation* system where voters rank candidates in order of preference. Instead of voting for one person, you number candidates: 1 for your favorite, 2 for your next choice, and so on. If your top choice is elected or eliminated, your vote **transfers** to your…

Takeaway. STV lets your vote count even if your first choice wins or loses.

How STV Counting Works

Follow the vote transfers step by step.

Takeaway. STV counts votes in rounds, transferring votes to keep them effective.

The Quota Formula

How many votes guarantee a seat?

This is the **Droop quota**, the most common formula. A candidate needs just over this many votes to be elected. It ensures that only the required number of candidates can reach the quota.

Takeaway. The quota is the minimum votes needed to win a seat in STV.

STV in Action: A Small Example

See how votes transfer in practice.

Imagine an election with 100 voters, 2 seats, and 3 candidates: A, B, C. Total valid votes = 100. Quota = (100 / (2+1)) + 1 = 34.33 + 1 = 35 (rounded up).

Takeaway. STV ensures more votes help elect someone, not just the top candidate.

STV vs. First-Past-the-Post

How is STV different from usual voting?

Takeaway. STV gives a more proportional result than first-past-the-post.

Why Rank Candidates?

Your preferences matter, not just your first.

Ranking lets you support a smaller party or independent without 'wasting' your vote. If your first choice is eliminated, your vote goes to your second choice. This encourages **sincere voting**—you can vote for who you truly want, not just who you think can win.

Takeaway. Ranking gives you freedom to vote honestly.

Where is STV Used?

Real places that use STV.

Takeaway. STV is used in several countries for fair representation.

Mistake: Thinking Your Vote is Wasted

Your vote always counts—if you rank.

Some voters think if their first choice loses, their vote is wasted. In STV, that's false. As long as you rank enough candidates, your vote will transfer until it helps elect someone or all your choices are eliminated. **Not ranking enough** can waste your vote.

Takeaway. Rank as many candidates as you like to keep your vote alive.

How to Fill Your Ballot

Rank in order of true preference.

Takeaway. Number candidates in the order you like them.

STV is Like a Playlist

Your vote skips to the next song.

Think of your ballot as a playlist. Your first choice is the first song. If that song is already played (elected) or skipped (eliminated), your playlist moves to the next song. Your vote keeps 'playing' until it finds a song that needs your support.

Takeaway. STV keeps your vote active like a playlist on shuffle.

Exam Tip: Remember the Steps

Use the acronym Q-T-E-E.

For exam answers, remember: **Q**uota, **T**ransfer surplus, **E**liminate lowest, **E**lect winners. Write these steps in order to show you understand the process.

Takeaway. Q-T-E-E helps you recall the STV counting process.

STV is Over 150 Years Old

A classic idea for fair voting.

STV was invented in the 19th century by **Thomas Hare** in England. It has been used in various forms around the world ever since, proving its lasting appeal for proportional representation.

Takeaway. STV is a time-tested electoral system.

Don't Rank the Same Candidate Twice

Each candidate gets only one number.

Make sure you don't give the same number to two candidates. That makes your ballot **invalid**. Also, don't skip numbers—if you give a '1' and then a '3', the '3' might not count.

Takeaway. Fill your ballot correctly to make it count.

STV Promotes Proportionality

Seats match voter support.

In a 5-seat constituency, if a party gets 40% of first-preference votes, they can expect about 2 out of 5 seats. This **proportionality** makes the legislature more representative of the electorate.

Takeaway. STV links vote share to seat share.