Document:Information for Voters

This document is intended to explain how to vote and how votes are counted in elections for the Delegate and Senate. Under the Constitution, the Delegate is elected by an instant run-off vote (IRV) and the Senate by the single transferable vote (STV). These systems ensure majority-rule and proportional representation respectively.

How to vote

Voting in both Delegate and Senate elections is the same. To vote, rank any number of candidates in order of preference, with 1 being the most preferred. Ranking as many candidates as possible will minimize the chance your vote is wasted and is highly encouraged, but you should not rank candidates who you do not want your vote being counted for under any circumstances.

Counting the votes

Instant Runoff Voting

Ballots in Delegate elections using IRV are counted as follows:

1. Each ballot is awarded to the candidate ranked highest on it.
2. If a single candidate has a majority, they are the winner and elected.
3. If no candidate has a majority, the one with the least votes is eliminated, and their ballots are each transferred to the next choice ranked on them.
4. Steps 2 and 3 are repeated until a candidate wins a majority and is elected.

Single transferable vote

Ballots in Senate elections using STV are counted as follows:

1. A quota equal to V/(S+1)+1 rounded down, where V is the number of votes and S is the number of seats being elected, is calculated.
2. Each ballot is awarded to the candidate ranked highest on it.
3. If any candidates meet the quota, they are elected, and the ballots they exceeded the quota by are each transferred to the next choice ranked on them.
4. If no candidate meets the quota, the one with the least votes is eliminated, and their ballots are each transferred to the next choice ranked on them.
5. Steps 3 and 4 are repeated until every seat has been filled.