STV Basics: 19 MCQs with answers

To achieve proportional representation in multi-member districts

STV is designed to produce proportional representation in multi-member districts, ensuring that the distribution of seats reflects the distribution of votes among parties or groups.

The minimum number of votes a candidate needs to be elected

The quota is the minimum number of votes required for a candidate to be elected. A common formula is the Droop quota: (total valid votes / (seats + 1)) + 1.

Voters rank candidates in order of preference

STV uses preferential voting: voters rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.). This ranking enables the transfer of votes.

Multi-member districts

STV requires multi-member districts to achieve proportionality. Each district elects multiple representatives, allowing for a more proportional outcome.

Count first-preference votes

The counting process begins by counting all first-preference votes. Then the quota is calculated, and candidates who reach the quota are elected.

True

STV is designed to produce proportional outcomes, where the share of seats roughly matches the share of votes for each party or group.

They are transferred to the next preferred candidate on the ballot papers

Surplus votes (votes above the quota) are transferred to the next preferred candidate on each ballot paper, ensuring that votes are not wasted and that the proportionality is maintained.

They are transferred to the next preferred candidate on each ballot

When a candidate is eliminated, their votes are transferred to the next preferred candidate on each ballot paper who is still in the race, ensuring that votes continue to influence the outcome.

(Total votes / (Seats + 1)) + 1

The Droop quota is calculated as (Total valid votes / (Seats + 1)) + 1. This ensures that only the number of candidates equal to the seats can reach the quota.

The ability of voters to transfer their vote to another candidate if their preferred candidate is elected or eliminated

The 'transferable' aspect means that if a voter's first choice is elected with surplus or eliminated, their vote is transferred to their next preference, so it is not wasted.

It minimizes wasted votes

STV reduces wasted votes because votes are transferred to other preferred candidates, so even if a voter's first choice loses, their vote can still help elect another candidate.

The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated

If no candidate reaches the quota, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the next preferences. This process continues until all seats are filled.

Irish general elections

Ireland uses STV for its general elections to the Dáil (lower house). Other examples include Malta and the Australian Senate.

It is complex for voters to understand and count

STV can be complex because voters must rank multiple candidates, and the counting process involves transfers and quotas, which may be difficult for some voters to understand.

The number of votes a candidate receives above the quota

A surplus is the excess of votes a candidate receives over the quota. These surplus votes are transferred to other candidates according to the voters' next preferences.

To ensure that all votes have equal weight

Transferring surplus votes ensures that votes are not wasted and that each vote has as close to equal weight as possible, contributing to proportionality.

STV uses multi-member districts; AV uses single-member districts

AV is used in single-member districts, while STV is used in multi-member districts. Both use preferential voting, but STV aims for proportional representation.

Voters must be able to rank candidates

STV relies on voters ranking candidates in order of preference. Without this, transfers cannot occur, and the system would not function as intended.

True

In the final round, if only one candidate remains and seats are still open, that candidate is elected even if they haven't reached the quota, because there is no one else to transfer votes to.