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preferential voting

American  

noun

  1. a system of voting designed to permit the voter to indicate an order of preference for the candidates on the ballot.


preferential voting British  

noun

  1. a system of voting in which the electors signify their choices, as of candidates, in order of preference

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of preferential voting

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Candidates to replace him will need 100 nominations from party members to get on the ballot paper, with the contest conducted using a preferential voting system.

From BBC Aug. 22, 2024

That replaces a type of preferential voting in which voters could indicate a second choice.

From New York Times May 2, 2024

Established: 1990 Ranking rationale: Uses the same preferential voting ballot that the academy employs, meaning its winner more often than not goes on to take best picture.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 9, 2023

One actually explained preferential voting well, he said.

From Washington Post May 14, 2022

Discuss the nature and purpose of the preferential voting device.

From Problems in American Democracy by Williamson, Thames Ross

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