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Counting rules

There are many different sets of rules for counting votes in quota preferential methods. They all achieve the same result in elections that are not very close but typically make different compromises to simplify counting (most have been designed for counting votes by hand). However, some are certainly better than others, and since it is almost certain that votes will be counted by computers if such a system is adopted, it would be sensible to choose a technically good set of rules. The Senate rules have been used as a model for local government electoral systems in Victoria but have some significant flaws (they can violate the ``one vote, one value'' principle in some circumstances3). A significantly better model would be the ACT Assembly rules4, which we recommend.



Lee Naish
2001-11-27