What is STV?

• A. Instant Runoff Voting (IRV)
• B. Single Transferable Vote
• C. Plurals
• D. Gerrymandering

Answer: (B)

STV stands for Single Transferable Vote, a ranked-choice voting system used in multi-member districts to elect several representatives. In this method, voters rank candidates in order of preference. A quota is set for victory (a commonly used one is the Droop quota). If a candidate reaches the quota on first preferences, they are elected, and any surplus votes they received are transferred to the remaining candidates based on the next preferences indicated by voters. If no one meets the quota, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their ballots are transferred to the next preferred candidates still in the race. This process of transferring surpluses and redistributing votes continues until all seats are filled.

This approach aims to produce a more proportional outcome than single-seat systems, giving voters a better chance for their preferences to influence the final slate of elected representatives and reducing wasted votes. It’s different from Instant Runoff Voting, which is designed for a single seat, and it isn’t about district manipulation like Gerrymandering. It also isn’t a term for “plural” votes, which isn’t a recognized electoral system.