Image for Australia (for preferential voting)

Australia (for preferential voting)

Australia uses a preferential voting system for its elections, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. When voting, Australians mark their first choice, and if that candidate doesn’t win enough support, the votes shift to the next preferred candidate. This process continues until one candidate achieves a majority. This system encourages diverse representation, as voters can express preferences without worrying about 'wasting' their vote. As a result, it often leads to more moderate candidates winning, as they can gain support from a wider range of voters.