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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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