SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTE (PROPORTIANAL REPRESENTATION SYSTEM)

Question 1

STV!! what do you do in the ballot box?

Answer 1

number candidates in order of preference

Question 2

STV!! how many representatives do you get, if this system was used in general elections?

Answer 2

mulitple representatives (in uk would mean about 6 per constituency)

Question 3

STV!! how does this system convert votes into seats/ how are the representatives chosen?

Answer 3

for each constituency the candidates must reach a quota
no of votes in constituency/ no of candidates
every candidate who reaches quota is elected!!

Question 4

STV!! how does each candidate achieve the quota?

Answer 4

1. if candidate reaches quota in the first they become an MP
2. however many votes the candidate is above the quota the second preference of the people who voted for them is distributed to the other candidates
3. after if any other candidate reaches the quota, they also become MP and process is repeated.
   BUT!!

if no candidate reaches the quota, and there are outstanding seats, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated, and their second preferences are redistributed - process continues until all seats are filled

Question 5

STV!! what type of government does this usually create?

Answer 5

coalition government

Question 6

STV!! does this system encourage tactical voting and safe seats?

Answer 6

no

Question 7

STV!! what type of party system does this favour?

Answer 7

multi party system

Question 8

STV!! in what elections is this system used?

Answer 8

northern irish assembly , scottish local elections