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Australian Electoral Commission
Elections that use a simple majority, or first-past-the-post, system elect a candidate who has received the most number of votes in a contest following a single count. This is regardless of whether or not the number of votes for the successful candidate represents a majority of the total amount of votes.
First-past-the-post voting systems are used in many countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and India.
There are many different types of preferential voting systems in use across Australia and the world.
Some preferential voting systems make it compulsory for voters to mark a preference for every single candidate on the ballot paper, some require a certain number of preferences to be indicated and others are optional preferential.
Australian federal elections use a preferential voting system where voters are required to:
Related: How to complete my ballot paper
Each House of Representatives contest will elect a single representative.
The preferential voting system used for the House of Representatives provides for multiple counts of ballot papers to occur to determine who has acquired an absolute majority of the total votes (more than 50% of formal votes).
During the counting process, votes are transferred between candidates according to the preferences marked by voters.
Information sheet: Preferential voting in the House of Representatives
Each Senate contest will elect multiple representatives.
The preferential voting system used for the Senate provides for multiple counts of ballot papers to occur to determine which candidates have achieved the required quota of formal votes to be elected.
During the counting process, votes are transferred between candidates according to the preferences marked by voters.
Information sheet: Preferential voting in the Senate
The AEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.