Vote counting methods

You can set the appropriate vote-counting method for each ballot element when setting up your ballot. Below is an overview of the available methods and how to configure them:

1. First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)

Ballot Type: Plurality Vote

FPTP is a straightforward voting system where each voter selects one or more candidates. The candidate(s) with the most votes win(s).

  • Voting: Each voter casts a vote for their chosen candidate(s).

  • Counting: Votes are tallied, and the candidate with the highest vote count wins, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority.

  • Winner determination: The candidate(s) with the most votes is/are declared the winner(s). You can set the number of winners per ballot element.

2. Regular Single Transferable Vote (STV) / Instant Runoff Voting (IRV)

Ballot Type: Ranked Vote

STV is a preferential voting system used to elect multiple candidates. For single-winner positions, it's equivalent to IRV.

  • Voting: Voters rank candidates in order of preference.

  • Counting: First-preference votes are counted, and candidates meeting the Droop quota are elected. The Droop quota corresponds to Total Number of Votes/(Total Number of Candidate Positions + 1)).

  • Elimination of lowest candidates: If no one meets the quota, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on the next preferences.

  • Winner determination: This process continues until all positions are filled.

3. STV with Redistribution of Surplus

Ballot Type: Ranked Vote

This method is a variation of STV where surplus votes from elected candidates are redistributed fractionally among remaining candidates.

  • Counting: Votes are counted, and a quota is determined.

  • Surplus distribution: If a candidate exceeds the quota, their surplus votes are fractionally redistributed based on voter preferences.

  • Elimination of lowest candidates: If no one meets the quota after surplus redistribution, the lowest candidate is eliminated, and votes are transferred.

  • Winner determination: The process continues until all positions are filled.

Restricting Election Counting Methods

Campus admins can control which vote-counting methods are available for all elections on your campus. This is done from Settings > Campus Settings > Restrict Election Counting Methods.

  • Purpose: Ensure that only approved voting methods are used across all ballots

  • How it works:

    • Select the vote-counting methods you want to restrict

    • At least one method must remain available

    • Restricted methods will not be selectable when creating or editing ballots