First-preference vote
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A first-preference is a voter's most-preferred candidate.cite-ref-sbs2-1-0[1]cite-ref-environ2-2-0[2]cite-ref-cameron2-3-0[3]cite-ref-rteresults20152-4-0[4] In certain ranked systems such as first preference plurality, ranked-choice voting (RCV), and the single transferable vote, first preferences for a candidate are considered most important and prioritized heavily. This incentivizes pandering to the political base or "core support" as a result of the center squeeze effect. Methods like Condorcet voting, rated voting, and the Borda count do not exhibit such effects. Methods like anti-plurality voting and Coombs' method have the opposite effect, being dominated by a voter's bottom rankings and so tending to elect the "least offensive" candidates.
First-preference votes are used by psephologists and the print and broadcast media to broadly describe the state of the parties at elections and the swing between elections.cite-ref-rteresults20152-4-1[4]cite-ref-uwa2-5-0[5]cite-ref-nsw20122-6-0[6] The term is much-used in Australian politics, where ranked voting has been universal at federal, state, and local levels since the 1920s.
References
cite-note-sbs2-11. ↑ "Explainer: What is preferential voting?". Special Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on 25 November 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
cite-note-environ2-22. ↑ "How the Dáil is Elected" (PDF). Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, (Ireland). November 2014. p. 10. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
cite-note-cameron2-33. ↑ ""Full transcript – David Cameron – The case against AV – London – 18 February 2011"". New Statesman. 18 February 2011. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
cite-note-uwa2-55. ↑ "First Preference Vote". University of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 27 February 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
cite-note-nsw20122-66. ↑ "Cooma-Monaro Shire Council: Summary of First Preference Votes for each Candidate". Local Government Elections 2012. Electoral Commission of New South Wales. 14 September 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2012.