In Australia, federal elections involve voting on two ballots: one for the House of Representatives (lower house) and another for the Senate (upper house). The preferential voting system can be complex, especially for first-time voters, but understanding its mechanics is crucial.
Under the preferential system, voters rank candidates based on their preferences. In the House of Representatives, achieving an absolute majority (over 50% of votes) is necessary for a candidate to win. This differs from systems like the UK’s “first past the post,” where the candidate with the most votes wins outright, regardless of whether they exceed 50%.
Voters indicate their preferences by numbering candidates on their ballot. A ‘1’ indicates their top choice, ‘2’ for their second choice, and so forth. If a candidate does not secure a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated, and their supporters’ votes are transferred to their next preferred candidate. This elimination and transfer process continues until a candidate surpasses the 50% threshold, often resulting in unexpected winners, as seen when Stephen Bates (Greens) won the Brisbane seat despite finishing third in first-preference votes, thanks to strong preference flows from Labor voters.
The Senate’s preferential voting process is distinct, as voters are electing multiple candidates simultaneously—typically four in each state and two from territories. A quota system determines the number of votes required for election, which is calculated by dividing the total formal votes by the number of vacancies plus one. Voters can choose to vote “above the line” for parties or “below the line” for individual candidates. Above the line requires voters to rank at least six parties, while below the line necessitates ranking at least 12 candidates.
Once votes are cast, surplus votes (those beyond the necessary quota) are transferred to other candidates based on voters’ second preferences. This complex counting can extend for weeks, as the Australian Electoral Commission works through the quota system and further eliminations, redistributing votes as necessary until all vacancies are filled.
Despite its complexity, the preferential voting system aims to ensure a more representative outcome, allowing candidates to win through preference flows rather than just first-choice popularity. As seen in recent elections, this system can lead to surprising results, reinforcing the importance of understanding and participating in the voting process.