Voorkeurstem

Voorkeurstem is a Dutch term that translates to "preference vote" or "preferential vote." It is a system used in some elections where voters can indicate not only their first choice of candidate but also their second, third, and subsequent preferences. This method is designed to ensure that the winning candidate has broader support than might be achieved in a simple plurality election where only the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.

When a candidate receives an absolute majority of first-preference votes, they are declared the winner. If no candidate achieves this majority, the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated. The votes cast for this eliminated candidate are then redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the voters' second preferences. This process of elimination and redistribution continues until one candidate secures an absolute majority of the remaining votes.

The preference vote system aims to reduce the impact of "spoiler" candidates and to elect candidates who are more broadly acceptable to the electorate. It can lead to outcomes where a candidate who did not receive the most first-preference votes ultimately wins, as they gain support from voters whose initial choices were eliminated. This system is sometimes contrasted with first-past-the-post systems, where the candidate with the highest number of votes wins, even if it's not a majority. The implementation and specific rules of preference voting can vary.