In Single Transferable Vote, what determines a winner in a multi-seat district?

• A. Achieving a quota of votes and transferring surplus to next preferences.
• B. The candidate with the most votes in the district.
• C. A nationwide majority.
• D. A random draw after counting.

Answer: (A)

In Single Transferable Vote, winners in a multi-seat district are determined by reaching a vote quota. That quota—often the Droop quota, which is floor(total valid votes / (seats + 1)) + 1—sets the threshold a candidate must meet to be elected. When a candidate hits the quota, they are declared elected and any votes above the quota (the surplus) are transferred to other candidates based on voters’ next preferences. This transfer of surpluses, plus the continued counting and transfer of votes from the lowest-ranked candidates as needed, proceeds until all seats are filled. This system hinges on reaching the quota and transferring votes process, not merely having the most votes, a nationwide majority, or a random draw.