From: Chris Olds (cco@dydax.com)
Date: Tue Nov 21 2000 - 19:01:26 PST
> How about instant-run-off voting using an Australian ballot?
>
> http://www.fairvote.org/irv/
This sounds like a winner-takes-all version of Single Trasferrable Vote
From "proportional representation - Britannica.com" [1]
Under the single-transferrable-vote method, voters rank candidates on
the ballot in order of preference. A quota is calculated using the
so-called Droop formula (named after its deviser, the Belgian
H.R. Droop): the total number of valid votes cast is divided by the
number of seats to be filled plus one, and one is added to the
quotient. Thus, for example, if 200,000 votes are cast and nine seats
are to be filled, the quota equals 200,000 divided by ten, plus one, or
20,00l. The first preference votes are counted, and any candidate who
obtains the quota is declared elected. Votes received by successful
candidates in excess of the quota are transferred to other candidates
according to the voters' second preferences. Any surplus among
subsequently elected candidates is similarly transferred, and so on, if
necessary. If any seats are still vacant, the candidate with the fewest
votes is eliminated, and all his ballots transferred to the voters'
second preferences, and so on, until all seats are filled by candidates
obtaining a quota. In this way the results reflect fairly accurately
the preferences of the electors and, therefore, their support for both
individuals and parties.
As usual, Google[2] provides more links than I feel like copying; I recommend
looking there if you are interested.
/cco
[1] http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/6/0,5716,63126+1,00.html
[2] http://www.google.com/search?q=%22single+transferrable+vote%22
--
``I know you believe you understand what you
think I said, but I am not sure you realize that
what you heard is not what I meant.''
Richard Nixon
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