The Points System
Advantages:
This system has the advantage that it does not require complex mathematics, such as calculating “quotas” and “transfer values”. It therefore provides speed and is easily understood by party members. The same method can be used to select a single candidate, or to choose multiple candidates.
Disadvantages:
The major drawback of this system is that it is possible for a candidate to lose despite receiving an absolute majority of first preference votes. This would happen where a sufficiently large minority strongly disliked the leading candidate.
Overview of the Method:
A. Under this system, party members indicate a preference for all nominees by marking their ballot paper with consecutive numbers (1, 2, 3... and so on).
B. Usually, one of two methods is adopted for counting the votes, both of which produce identical results.
either:
(i) Each candidate is allocated a number of points equal to the numerical preference vote received (thus. a first preference is counted as one point, a third preference as three points and so on). All the "points" are tallied for each candidate. The candidates with the fewest number of points are elected.
Or
(ii) "Points" are applied as follows: if there are eight candidates, then a first preference is counted as eight points, a second preference is counted as seven points ... and an eighth preference is counted as one point. All the "points" are tallied for each candidate. The candidates with the highest number of points are elected.
Alternative Voting Systems:
See Choosing a Voting System