How voting works
SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTE The ballot is run using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) mode of voting. STV allows the voter to rank the candidates in order of preference. Voters mark their favourite candidate number 1, their second preferred candidate number 2 and so on. Voters do not have to rank all candidates, they can just choose their favourite and leave it at that. There is also the option to vote to Re-Open Nomination (R.O.N.), which a voter can use if there is no candidate they wish to vote for. If R.O.N. ‘wins’ the election, it will be run again. By allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference, STV creates a system whereby the ‘least unpopular’ candidate wins. In order to be elected the candidate must reach the ‘quota’ (over 50% of total valid votes cast). If after the first round of the count the quota is reached, that candidate is elected. However, if no candidate reaches the quota then the candidate with the lowest number of votes is eliminated and their surplus votes (the difference between their vote and the quota) are transferred amongst the remaining candidates. We then look to see if any candidate has met the quota, if not then the candidate with the next fewest votes is excluded and the process continues until a candidate reaches the quota and is therefore elected. Using STV, fewer votes are ‘wasted’ (i.e. cast for losing candidates or unnecessarily cast for the winner), and there is no need for tactical voting voters can choose their favourite.