Single Transferable Vote

Question 1

How STV works

Answer 1

. STV uses multi-member constituencies and voters number their choice

. To be elected candidate needs to get more votes than a quota
~> the number of votes cast divided by number of seats +1

. Surplus votes are proportionally distributed to second pref

. If no one reaches quota, least popular is eliminated and those who placed the eliminated candidate for second choice are redistributed

. Continues until all the seats are filled

Question 2

Advantages of STV

Answer 2

. Fewer votes are wasted

. Greater choice

. No safe seats under STV

. No need for tactical voting

. Co-alition (power-sharing in Northern Ireland)

Question 3

Disadvantages of STV

Answer 3

. Long process

. Leads to donkey voting

. Ballot papers get big/confusing .e.g ballot papers spoiled in Scotland

. Lines of accountability for rep are unclear