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A Bluffer's Guide to Single Transferable Voting (STV)

How is STV different to 'normal' (First-Past-the-Post) elections?

Candidates are voted for using numbers rather than an X. The numbers correspond to the voter's preference, i.e. 1 for most preferred, 2 for a second choice etc. Voters still have only a single vote, but at every stage their preference of the remaining viable options is taken into account.

How should I cast my vote?

For each position, cast your vote by entering:

  • '1' against your first preference candidate

and, if desired

  • '2' against your second preference candidate
  • '3' against your third preference candidate
    and so on until you have no further preference.

The sequence of your preferences is crucial.

You should continue to express preferences only as long as you are able to place successive candidates in order.

A later preference is considered only if an earlier preference has already been elected or is excluded because of insufficient support. Under no circumstances can a later preference count against an earlier preference.

Who is RON?

Re-Open Nominations (RON) is a candidate in each election. A first preference vote for RON is a request to restart the election process for this election, rather than electing someone in this election.

Why is STV used?

It is believed that the STV method offers increased efficiency and certainty in the elections as well as allowing for a greater proportion of the constituents to elect a more preferable candidate. Depending on the number of candidates, STV 'gives freedom of choice to electors and ensures, as far as possible, that the choice is satisfied and not distorted or frustrated' (The Electoral Reform Society)

REMEMBER: Vote with numbers, not an 'X'

An Example

The example ballot paper below shows that

  • For position 1, the voter wants Candidate B to be elected, their next preferred outcome would be the election of Candidate A. It also shows that the voter would rather the election be re-opened than Candidates C or D be elected, and that they would prefer candidate C over candidate D
  • For position 2, the voter wants Candidate F over Candidate E, and would prefer either candidate to seeing the election re-opened.

Position 1

Candidate A

2

Candidate B

1

Candidate C

4

Candidate D

5

RON

3

Position 2

Candidate E

2

Candidate F

1

RON

3


How are CUSU Elections Counted?

The CUSU uses the rules of the Electoral Reform Society for counting in STV. A complete guide to these rules is available from them (external link).