STV Basics: 17 flashcards
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1. What is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system?
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STV is a proportional representation system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, and candidates are elected once they reach a quota, with surplus votes transferred to other candidates.
2. What is the 'quota' in STV?
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The minimum number of votes a candidate needs to be elected, typically calculated as (total valid votes / (seats + 1)) + 1.
3. How are votes transferred in STV?
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Surplus votes from elected candidates and votes from eliminated candidates are transferred to the next preferred candidate on each ballot.
4. What is the purpose of ranking candidates in STV?
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Ranking allows voters to express multiple preferences, enabling vote transfer if their first choice is elected or eliminated, ensuring fewer wasted votes.
5. What is the difference between STV and first-past-the-post?
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FPTP elects one winner per district with the most votes, while STV elects multiple representatives proportionally using ranked ballots and quotas.
6. What is a 'surplus' vote in STV?
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The number of votes a candidate receives above the quota. These surplus votes are transferred to other candidates according to voters' next preferences.
7. What happens when a candidate is eliminated in STV?
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All of that candidate's votes are transferred to the next preferred candidate on each ballot who is still in the race.
8. What is the 'Droop quota' formula?
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The most common quota in STV: (Total valid votes / (Seats + 1)) + 1.
9. Why is STV considered proportional?
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Because the number of seats a party wins roughly matches its share of the vote, especially in multi-member districts.
10. What is a 'multi-member district' in STV?
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An electoral district that elects more than one representative, which is essential for STV to achieve proportionality.
11. What does 'transferable' in STV mean?
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It means a vote can move from a candidate who is elected or eliminated to another candidate based on the voter's ranking.
12. How does STV handle 'wasted votes'?
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STV minimizes wasted votes because votes for losing candidates or surplus votes for winners are transferred to other candidates, so most votes help elect someone.
13. What is a 'ballot' in STV?
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A ballot is a paper or electronic record where a voter ranks candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.).
14. What is the first step in counting STV votes?
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Count all first-preference votes and determine the quota.
15. What happens if no candidate reaches the quota after the first count?
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The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the next preferences.
16. Can a voter in STV choose candidates from different parties?
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Yes, STV allows voters to rank candidates across parties, enabling them to support a mix of candidates.
17. What is the main advantage of STV for voters?
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It gives voters more choice and ensures that their vote is used effectively to elect a representative they prefer, even if their first choice is not elected.
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