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 may be more complex than what some voters are familiar with, but ensure majority-rule and proportional representation.
How to vote
Voting in both Delegate and Senate elections is the same. To vote, rank any number of candidates in order of preference. Ranking more than one candidate is highly recommended, but you should not rank candidates who you do not want your vote being counted for.
Counting the votes
Ballots in Delegate elections using IRV are counted as follows:
- Each ballot is counted for the uneliminated candidate ranked highest on it.
- If a single candidate has a majority, they are the winner and elected.
- If no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated.
- This process is repeated until a single candidate wins a majority and is elected.
Ballots in Senate elections using STV are counted as follows:
- A quota is calculated with the formula V/(S+1)+1, where V is the number of votes and S is the number of seats.
- Each remaining ballot is counted for the uneliminated candidate ranked highest on it.
- If a candidate meets the quota, they are elected and the ballots which elected them removed. Surplus ballots by which the candidate exceeded quota are not removed. Ballots with no lower preferences on them are removed first.
- If no candidate meets the quota, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated.
- This process is repeated until every seat has been filled or the number of candidates left equals the number of seats lefts, in which case all remaining candidates are elected.
