STV Flashcards
How does STV work?
1) Country is divided into large constituencies each with multiple representatives
2) voters rank candidates in order of preference
3) the droop formula calculates the number of votes needed to secure each of the seats in a constituency —> if a candidate receives the amount of votes needed, they win a seat
4) if not enough candidates have been elected in the 1st round, the count continues —> if the candidate who has already won a seat has surplus votes, they are redistributed to the 2nd preferences
5) if all the seats have not been filled, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are transferred to other candidates based on their next choices
6) repeat until all the seats have been filled
Where is STV used?
- to elect NI assembly
- to elect local gov. in Scotland and NI
- to elect the deputy speaker in the HoC
What is a positive of STV with an example?
What is a negative of STV with an example?
- unlikely to produce a strong and stable government
—> NI = Sinn Fein have 27 seats and DUP have 25 so difficult to efficiently pass laws
What are some other positives and negatives of STV?
