Question

In the electoral system 'alternative vote system' is also known as:

• A. First past the post system
• B. Second ballot system
• C. Preferential voting
• D. Block vote system

Hint:

Think of Alternative Vote as an "Instant Runoff." It uses preferences to find a winner who is acceptable to the majority, avoiding the "spoiler effect."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Alternative Vote (AV) is a majoritarian electoral system used to elect a single representative. Unlike the 'First Past the Post' system, which only requires a plurality, the AV system ensures that the winning candidate has the support of a majority of voters.

Step 1: How the System Works.
In this system, voters do not just mark an 'X' next to one name. Instead, they rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.). Because voters indicate their "preferences," the system is widely known as Preferential Voting.

Step 2: The Elimination Process.
If a candidate receives more than 50% of the first-preference votes, they are elected immediately. If no one reaches this threshold, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. The votes for the eliminated candidate are then redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the second preferences marked on those ballots. This continues until someone achieves a majority.

Step 3: Global Usage and Comparison.
This system is prominently used for elections to the Australian House of Representatives. It is distinct from the Second Ballot System (used in France), where a physical second round of voting occurs if no one wins a majority in the first round. In AV, the "second round" happens automatically through the redistribution of preferences on the original ballot.