Balloting Voting methods in deliberative assemblies

1 balloting

1.1 repeated balloting
1.2 preferential voting
1.3 cumulative voting
1.4 runoffs

balloting

balloting form of voting in secrecy of member s choices desired. members mark choices on pieces of paper (or electronic devices tailored such purpose) , deposit paper ballot box. procedure typically usual method in elections. robert s rules of order states if candidate not receive majority vote, balloting repeated until candidate obtains majority vote. exceptions rule must stated in organization s rules. such exceptions may include preferential voting, cumulative voting, , runoffs.

repeated balloting

repeated balloting done when no candidate achieves majority vote. in case, no candidates involuntarily eliminated. mason s manual states, in absence of special rule, majority vote necessary elect officers , plurality not sufficient. vote election of officers, when no candidate receives majority vote, of no effect, , situation remains though no vote had been taken. demeter s manual states, fact majority (or plurality) of votes cast ineligible candidate not entitle candidate receiving next highest number of votes declared elected. in such case, voters have failed make choice, , proceed vote again.

repeated balloting allows dark horse or compromise candidate, received few votes in first round, become candidate opposing factions agree settle on. moreover, can prevent candidate opposed majority of electorate being elected, might happen under plurality.

a disadvantage if no 1 drops out of race, , voters unwilling switch sides, balloting can theoretically go on forever. in u.s. presidential election of 1800, thomas jefferson , aaron burr tied @ 73 electoral votes each, , in accordance constitution election thrown house of representatives, took 6 days of debate , 36 ballots select jefferson winner.

between rounds of balloting, members can make motions assembly complete election within reasonable time. instance, assembly may vote drop candidate having lowest vote after each successive vote, or reopen nominations office in order secure candidate on whom majority can agree. can break deadlock.

preferential voting

preferential voting allows members rank choices instead of choosing particular candidates.

robert s rules of order states preferential voting affords less freedom of choice repeated balloting, because denies voters opportunity of basing second or lesser choices on results of earlier ballots, , because candidate or proposition in last place automatically eliminated , may prevented becoming compromise choice. in case, preferential voting can used if bylaws authorize it.

cumulative voting

cumulative voting allows members cast more 1 vote candidate.

regarding method of voting, ronr states, minority group, coordinating effort in voting 1 candidate member of group, may able secure election of candidate minority member of board. however, method of voting, permits member cast multiple votes single candidate, must viewed reservation since violates fundamental principle of parliamentary law each member entitled 1 , 1 vote on question .

runoffs

a runoff when second round of voting held lowest vote-receiving candidates or 2 candidates eliminated after first round.

ronr states, nominee receiving lowest number of votes never removed ballot unless bylaws require, or unless withdraws – which, in absence of such bylaw, not obligated do. nominee in lowest place may turn out dark horse on whom factions may prefer agree .