libterm.com Single transferable vote (STV) is a proportional representation voting system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, ensuring that votes are effectively transferred to preferred candidates until all positions are filled. This method minimizes wasted votes and promotes fairer representation by reflecting diverse voter preferences more accurately. Discover how STV can influence electoral fairness and impact Your voting experience by exploring the full details in the article.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Single Transferable Vote (STV) | Approval Voting |
|---|---|---|
| Voting Method | Rank candidates by preference; votes transfer to next choices | Vote for as many candidates as you approve; no ranking |
| Type | Proportional representation system | Majoritarian, non-proportional |
| Ballot Complexity | Complex; ranking required | Simple; select all acceptable candidates |
| Voter Expression | Expresses full preference order | Expresses approval without rank |
| Counting Process | Transfers surplus and eliminated votes to reflect preferences | Counts total approvals per candidate; highest wins |
| Proportionality | High; favors minority representation | Low; favors majority-supported candidates |
| Common Use Cases | Multi-member elections, councils, and legislatures | Single-winner elections and informal polls |
| Strengths | Reduces wasted votes; proportional outcomes | Simple, less strategic voting |
| Weaknesses | Counting complexity; longer time to determine winners | May elect less representative winners; tactical approvals possible |
Introduction to Single Transferable Vote (STV) and Approval Voting
Single Transferable Vote (STV) is a preferential voting system designed to achieve proportional representation by allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference, transferring votes to next preferences when candidates achieve a quota or are eliminated. Approval Voting enables voters to select multiple candidates they approve of without ranking, and the candidate with the highest number of approvals wins. Both systems aim to better capture voter preferences compared to traditional plurality voting but differ in ballot structure and vote counting mechanisms.
How Single Transferable Vote Works
Single Transferable Vote (STV) is a proportional representation voting system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, allowing votes to be transferred based on those preferences until all seats are filled. The system uses a quota, typically the Droop quota, to determine the number of votes a candidate needs to be elected, and surplus votes are redistributed according to voters' next preferences. STV minimizes wasted votes and promotes broader representation compared to Approval Voting, which allows voters to select all candidates they approve of but does not provide ranked preferences or vote transfers.
How Approval Voting Operates
Approval Voting allows voters to select all candidates they find acceptable without ranking them, enabling a more expressive ballot than single-choice voting systems. Each candidate's total approvals are counted, and the one with the highest number of approvals wins, reflecting a consensus choice. Unlike Single Transferable Vote, which reallocates votes based on preferences and quotas, Approval Voting simplifies counting and emphasizes broad support over ranking preferences.
Voter Experience: STV vs. Approval Voting
Single Transferable Vote (STV) offers voters the ability to rank candidates by preference, allowing for more nuanced expression of voter intent and minimizing wasted votes in multi-winner elections. Approval Voting simplifies the experience by letting voters select all candidates they support without ranking, making the process faster and more intuitive but potentially less expressive. Voters seeking detailed preference representation may prefer STV, while those valuing ease and speed often favor Approval Voting.
Election Outcomes and Proportionality
Single transferable vote (STV) tends to produce more proportional election outcomes by allowing voters to rank candidates, which helps reflect voter preferences across multiple seats. Approval voting enables voters to approve of any number of candidates, often leading to a more majoritarian outcome that favors broadly acceptable candidates but may reduce proportionality. Studies show STV generally results in better representation of minority groups and diverse political views, while approval voting can simplify strategic voting but may not capture nuanced voter preferences as effectively.
Impact on Minority Representation
Single transferable vote (STV) enhances minority representation by allowing voters to rank candidates, enabling more proportional outcomes and reducing wasted votes. Approval voting permits voters to select all acceptable candidates, which can improve minority influence but often favors broadly popular candidates over specific minority voices. Studies show STV typically yields higher minority representation in legislatures compared to Approval voting due to its preferential ranking and quota-based seat allocation.
Simplicity and Transparency for Voters
Single transferable vote (STV) offers proportional representation by allowing voters to rank candidates but can be complex to understand and count, potentially reducing transparency. Approval voting enables voters to select all candidates they approve of, making the process simpler and more straightforward for voters to comprehend. The clarity of approval voting often enhances voter confidence, while STV's complexity may require voter education to ensure transparency.
Strategic Voting Considerations
Single transferable vote (STV) reduces strategic voting by allowing voters to rank candidates, ensuring their vote transfers to preferred alternatives, thus minimizing wasted votes in multi-winner elections. Approval voting encourages voters to select all acceptable candidates without ranking, which can lead to strategic approval of less preferred but more viable candidates to prevent undesired outcomes. Voters must weigh the benefits of honest expression versus tactical approvals in approval voting, whereas STV inherently mitigates vote-splitting and promotes proportional representation through ranked preferences.
Real-World Implementation and Case Studies
Single transferable vote (STV) finds extensive real-world implementation in countries like Ireland, Malta, and Australia, where it enables proportional representation by allowing voters to rank candidates and ensuring minimal vote wastage. Approval voting is less widely adopted but has seen use in organizational elections and some municipal ballots in the United States, offering simplicity by letting voters approve of multiple candidates without ranking. Case studies from Irish general elections demonstrate STV's ability to reflect diverse voter preferences accurately, while pilot projects in Fargo, North Dakota, highlight approval voting's potential to reduce spoiler effects and encourage consensus candidates.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Voting System
Single transferable vote (STV) offers proportional representation by allowing voters to rank candidates, which helps minimize wasted votes and better reflects voter preferences in multi-winner elections. Approval voting simplifies the process by letting voters approve any number of candidates, providing a clear and straightforward way to capture voter support without ranking complexity. Choosing between STV and approval voting depends on the desired electoral goals: STV favors nuanced preference expression and proportionality, while approval voting prioritizes simplicity and maximizing consensus.
Single transferable vote Infographic
