Wed, 20 Apr 2011
Valid Alternative Votes
Something that came out of my article on Alternative Vote Ice Cream was that there seemed to be confusion about what are valid votes under Alternative Vote. So I thought I would put together a few examples of valid ballot papers, continuing my ice cream example.
Example 1 - All preferences
| Candidate | Vote |
|---|---|
| Strawberry | 2 |
| Vanilla | 3 |
| Chocolate | 1 |
| Fudge | 4 |
| Mint | 5 |
This is the classic AV ballot. All preferences are expressed, from 1 to 5.
Example 2 - two preferences
| Candidate | Vote |
|---|---|
| Strawberry | 2 |
| Vanilla | |
| Chocolate | 1 |
| Fudge | |
| Mint |
This ballot only has 2 preferences, if Chocolate and Strawberry are both eliminated, this ballot is simply "No Further Preference".
Example 3 - single preferences
| Candidate | Vote |
|---|---|
| Strawberry | |
| Vanilla | X |
| Chocolate | |
| Fudge | |
| Mint |
X marks the spot, Just like we are used to with our old ballot papers.
| Candidate | Vote |
|---|---|
| Strawberry | |
| Vanilla | |
| Chocolate | ☺ |
| Fudge | |
| Mint |
Even a smiley face is a valid first preference. Although a sad face would not be valid
| Candidate | Vote |
|---|---|
| Strawberry | |
| Vanilla | |
| Chocolate | ✓ |
| Fudge | |
| Mint |
A tick, works just as well, showing a clear first preference.
The ballots in this example have the disadvantage of only showing a first preference. If that first preference is elimated at any point in the count, then it becomes "No Further Preference". It is in your best interest to make the most of your ballot and fill in as many preferences as you are happy to have.
Summary
These are just a few examples of ballots, there are other permutations that may be valid, but will likely come down to the decision of the returning officer. There are also a multitude of invalid options available, like numbering everything with a 1, but they are too numerous to list, so for this article I am trying to show you just some of the valid options
Disclaimer: The above is just my opinion, exact implementation in any given election may well be different, consult relevant laws before casting your vote, just encase your smiley face isn't considered valid
posted at: 17:59 | path: / | permanent link to this entry | 0 comments