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.

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preferential voting British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of preferential voting

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Australia uses a preferential voting system, where candidates are ranked in order of preference.

From BBC

The other big stabiliser for Australia, say experts, is preferential voting – where voters effectively number their candidates in order of who they want to win.

From BBC

Voting is mandatory for all citizens over 18, the country uses preferential voting, and picking up a "democracy sausage" is a polling day custom.

From BBC

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

The contest will be conducted using a preferential voting system.

From BBC