Can we please factcheck this

IMAGES ARE DRAFTS

The key thing in STV voting is: 
You do not need to rank all candidates, just those you prefer most.

Remember:

  • start at 1
  • don't use anything other than a number.

Voters rank candidates in order of preference. Under STV, you would write number “1” next to the name of your favourite candidate, number “2” next to your second favourite candidate and so on until you have ranked your preferences. You do not need to rank all candidates, just those you prefer most.

In an STV election, candidates must reach a certain number of votes to get elected. This is called a quota and is based on the total number of votes and the number of vacant positions.

You still only have one vote, but by ranking other candidates, your vote can be transferred. This will happen if your most preferred candidate is so popular that they don't need all their votes to meet the quota to be elected. Of course, if they're not as popular with other voters your favourite candidate may receive votes from another candidate who has already met the quota. 

 

video will go here

Cookies and cream is the BEST - how do I give it my vote?

Make sure your vote is valid!

Tell your friends why they're the best, and make sure your friends don't make an invalid vote.

Rank cookies and cream "1" in your ballot - if you want a second option, rank that one "2". If you really really don't want strawberry (because eeewww), then make sure their box is as empty as their flavour. 

 

place holder images - concept ONLY

place holder images - concept ONLY

Cookies and cream is the WORST - how do I stop it getting my vote?

Don't rank them! 

If you have someone that you really don't want to get in, don't put anything next to their name. If you put anything like an "x" or "never" you will invalidate your vote, and your number 1 person also won't get your voice. 

If you rank them last, they may still get a vote. 

place holder images - concept ONLY

place holder images - concept ONLY

Are blank and informal votes used in STV quota calculation?

No. In New Zealand’s local elections that use STV:

  • Blank voting papers and informal votes are not counted when calculating the STV quota.

  • Only valid votes (i.e. papers where a 1st preference is clearly marked) are included in the quota calculation.

This means if you add anything extra to your voting paper it may not be counted at all. 

Can I draw a smiley face for the best candiate?

No.

Even if you are only ranking one candidate, you still need to use the standard NZ numbering system from 1-1000. Anything else can make your vote invalid, and then it may not be counted at all.

Explanation of terms

Info graphic flowchart showing how stv votes are counted