Which voting method allows more than one preference on a single ballot and is permitted only when bylaws authorize it?

Which voting method allows more than one preference on a single ballot and is permitted only when bylaws authorize it?

• A. Plurality Voting
• B. Proportional Representation
• C. Preferential Voting
• D. Cumulative Voting

Answer: (C)

Preferential voting lets voters rank more than one candidate on a single ballot. This ranking allows a voter to indicate an order of preference, and the counting method uses those preferences to determine the winner, often transferring votes from less-preferred candidates to the next available choice. Because this approach changes how ballots are read and counted, it is permitted only if the bylaws authorize it. The other methods don’t fit as well. Plurality voting records only a single choice per ballot, with no ranking. Cumulative voting involves giving multiple votes to one or more candidates, not ranking multiple candidates on a single ballot. Proportional representation deals with how seats are allocated (often via party lists) and may involve different mechanisms, but the defining feature in this context—rating multiple candidates by preference on one ballot—is characteristic of preferential voting.

Preferential voting lets voters rank more than one candidate on a single ballot. This ranking allows a voter to indicate an order of preference, and the counting method uses those preferences to determine the winner, often transferring votes from less-preferred candidates to the next available choice. Because this approach changes how ballots are read and counted, it is permitted only if the bylaws authorize it.

The other methods don’t fit as well. Plurality voting records only a single choice per ballot, with no ranking. Cumulative voting involves giving multiple votes to one or more candidates, not ranking multiple candidates on a single ballot. Proportional representation deals with how seats are allocated (often via party lists) and may involve different mechanisms, but the defining feature in this context—rating multiple candidates by preference on one ballot—is characteristic of preferential voting.