SV ( Supplementary Vote )

Question 1

How does SV work?

Answer 1

1. There are 2 columns on the ballot paper, one for first choice, one for second
2. Voters first preference is counted and if one candidate gets 50% of the vote they are elected
3. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote, the 2 highest scoring candidates are retained and the rest are eliminated
4. The candidates who have been eliminated votes are given to the surviving candidates based on their second preference the candidate who receives the most votes second time round wins.

SV is used to elect the new mayor of London

Question 2

What are the weaknesses of SV?

Answer 2

. SV does not eliminate the likelihood of tactical voting

. SV does not ensure that the winning candidate has the support of at least 50% of the electorate