what is it exactly?
how did it start?
why did australia decide to use it?
2007-10-05 17:09:27 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
Australia implemented preferential voting in 1919 after using the First-Past-The-Post system for a number of elections.
Preferential Voting is a uniquely Australian system of voting. Based on the principle that the winner should have 50% + 1 support, it allows voters to number the candidates in order of preference. It ensures that everyone's vote counts and gives smaller parties a chance to build up a following over a number of elections. The Greens are a case in point as they have grown and developed through 20 or so years from a 'one issue' small party to now where they have become a strong and influential force in Australian politics. It is seen by many as a fairer and more democratic way of voting although it is quite a complicated system.
This site explains it very well:
http://www.eca.gov.au/systems/single/by_category/preferential.htm
2007-10-05 19:48:33 · answer #1 · answered by cutsie_dread 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Preferential voting started ever since election came to being.
2007-10-05 17:39:41 · answer #2 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋