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single transferable vote (STV)Single transferable vote (STV) systems are one of two families
of
proportional representation
. Proportional representation by the single
transferable vote method is based on the idea that the range of
opinion in the community should be mirrored in the composition of
the representative
assembly
. While there
are many ways in which STV can be modified, it rests on the
assumption that voters can choose between
candidates
rather than
parties
. Voters are
required to rank candidates in the voters’ order of
preference by numbering the candidates on the
ballot
(see
preferential voting
). The ballots
are then counted in a way which aims to ensure that the candidates
with the highest preferences are elected. The
procedures for doing this can be complicated, but the principle is
straightforward—that a variety of minority as well as
majority opinions are represented in the assembly, provided that
the minorities have a large enough proportion of votes to cross the
threshold
for
representation. This threshold is set by the
quota
of votes needed for
representation and can vary widely depending on the particular STV
system to be used; see
Droop quota
.
The details of the BC-STV electoral system recommended for
British Columbia by the Citizens' Assembly can be found elsewhere
in this Report. See also
Gregory method
.
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