There have been a few folk in the last few days asking about their registration and how the vote actually works so hopefully this will help, or point you in the right direction to find the answers. The Single Transferable (STV) Vote has been used in Scottish Council elections for a while.
It is a way to make sure that those elected represent as many of the voters choices as possible. That is why the votes can be transferred to another candidate. You do not have to vote for someone you do not want to represent you. You are voting for the candidates in order of who you want.
THE BASICS
The STV is a way to find on one winner that makes sure as many votes count as possible – even if it’s not your first choice. When you vote, you list everyone you want in order of preference – from number 1, then number 2, etc. You only have to vote for the candidate(s) you want to represent you.
COUNTING
Once everyone has voted, the number of votes is counted. First, there is some maths to find the number of votes the candidates need to get to for election. We need to know the number of votes cast, and the number of seats.
For this, let’s say 1000 people have voted. That is then divided by the number of seats available plus one. For Ward 10, that’s one seat, plus one, so it’s 2. 1000 divided by 2 is 500. We now add 1 and that’s the number that the candidates need to reach to win the seat – 501 votes. Still with me?
TRANSFERING THE VOTES
All of the number one choice votes are counted. In this election, if one candidate does not reach the half plus one mark, then the person with the lowest number of votes has those votes transferred to the second choice on their ballots. If there isn’t a winner, then the process repeats.
THE RESULTS
There can be two outcomes – the count continues until someone is elected because over half of the voters have supported their election, or nobody is elected and we have another election.
Elections have been won using the system because voters did not know they did not have to vote for everyone standing. I am saying this because I do not want someone to vote for me when they do not actually want me to represent them. We need elected officials that we want. We need people that will represent our communities. We need councillors that listen to the majority and have the future of our communities at the core of what they are doing.
STILL NOT MAKING SENSE?
Then have a watch of this video from the Electoral Commission.
WHY PUT MYSELF THROUGH THIS
Yes, I am writing this in the hope of getting you to vote 1 for me on Thursday. I am also writing this so that others know there are people out there that are not the classic politician. I am standing to put my experience to good use. I know how to represent communities and achieve positive change. Representation matters.
There is a full re-election in 2027. I can only hope that my standing will inspire other young people to give it a go. It is hard work. It is not straight forward. It is worth it. It is easier being a part of the conversation than shouting from the outside. We need representatives that represent all of us. Until then, you can support me to get my foot in the door and vote 1 for me.
Christine Gillies 