single transferable vote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic, Political
Quick answer
What does “single transferable vote” mean?
A voting system in multi-seat constituencies where voters rank candidates, and surplus/unused votes are transferred to other candidates to ensure proportional representation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A voting system in multi-seat constituencies where voters rank candidates, and surplus/unused votes are transferred to other candidates to ensure proportional representation.
A specific proportional representation method (often called STV) where voters rank candidates in order of preference; votes for elected candidates exceeding the quota, and votes for the least popular candidates, are redistributed according to voters' subsequent preferences until all seats are filled.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in technical political discourse. In general public discourse, it is more commonly referenced in UK/Irish contexts (where it is used) than in mainstream US politics.
Connotations
In the UK/Ireland, it connotes proportional representation, fairness, and minor party representation. In the US, it is a specialist term associated with electoral reform movements.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in UK/Irish political journalism and academic texts. Rare in general American media except in discussions of alternative voting systems.
Grammar
How to Use “single transferable vote” in a Sentence
The council was elected by single transferable vote.They advocate for the introduction of the single transferable vote.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “single transferable vote” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council is elected by single-transferable-voting.
- They propose to single-transferable-vote the next election.
American English
- The committee was selected via single-transferable-vote procedures.
- To achieve proportionality, they suggested we single-transferable-vote.
adverb
British English
- The members were elected single-transferable-vote.
American English
- They decided to hold the election single-transferable-vote style.
adjective
British English
- The single-transferable-vote system is used in Scotland.
- It was a single-transferable-vote ballot.
American English
- A single-transferable-vote method was proposed.
- The single-transferable-vote format ensures broader representation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except potentially in shareholder voting reform discussions.
Academic
Common in political science, governance, and comparative politics papers.
Everyday
Rare, except in countries like Ireland or Malta where it is used, or among politically engaged citizens discussing electoral reform.
Technical
Standard term in electoral engineering, voting theory, and constitutional law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “single transferable vote”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “single transferable vote”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “single transferable vote”
- Using 'single transferable vote' to refer to instant-runoff voting (IRV/AV) for a single position (it is specifically for multi-seat elections).
- Capitalizing all words unless starting a sentence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is a broader category. STV is a specific type of RCV used for electing multiple winners in a proportional way.
It is used in parliamentary elections in Ireland and Malta, for Scottish local elections, and for various elections in Australia and New Zealand, among others.
If a candidate reaches the quota and has surplus votes, a portion of each ballot is transferred to the voter's next preference. Also, if a candidate is eliminated, all their votes are transferred to the next preference.
The quota is the minimum number of votes needed to be elected. It is usually calculated as (Total Valid Votes / (Seats + 1)) + 1.
A voting system in multi-seat constituencies where voters rank candidates, and surplus/unused votes are transferred to other candidates to ensure proportional representation.
Single transferable vote is usually formal, technical, academic, political in register.
Single transferable vote: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋɡl trænsˈfɜːrəbl vəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋɡl trænsˈfɝːəbl voʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not first-past-the-post, it's single transferable vote.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SINGLE vote you cast that can be TRANSFERRED if your first choice doesn't need it or can't win.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOTING IS A FLUID RESOURCE (votes can flow from one candidate to another).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of the single transferable vote?