single transferable vote/STV (proportional representation system)

Question 1

STV - what do you do in the ballot box?

Answer 1

you number the candidates in order of preference

Question 2

STV - how many representatives do you get , if this system was used in a general election?

Answer 2

mulitple representatives ( in the uk this 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 each candidate must reach a quota

number of votes in constituency/number of candidates in a constituency

every candidate who reaches the quota is elected

Question 4

STV - how does each candidate achieve the quota

Answer 4

if you get reach the quota in the first round you become an MP.

then however many votes that are above the quota for that candidate, the second preference of these voters is distributed to the other candidates after this if any other candidate reaches the quota, they also become an MP and the above process is repeated.

if there are seats outstanding, then the candidate with the least votes is eliminated, and their second preferences are redistributed to the other candidates. this 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

multiparty system

Question 8

STV - in what elections is the system used?

Answer 8

Northern Ireland assembly and Scottish local elections