preferential voting

American  

noun

1. a system of voting designed to permit the voter to indicate an order of preference for the candidates on the ballot.

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preferential voting British  

noun

1. a system of voting in which the electors signify their choices, as of candidates, in order of preference

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Etymology

Origin of preferential voting

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Voting is mandatory for all citizens over 18, the country uses preferential voting, and picking up a "democracy sausage" is a polling day custom.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2025

That replaces a type of preferential voting in which voters could indicate a second choice.

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

One actually explained preferential voting well, he said.

From Washington Post • May 14, 2022

For a better explanation of preferential voting — with narration and animation, no less — scroll back up and watch the video embedded above.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2022

Discuss the nature and purpose of the preferential voting device.

From Problems in American Democracy by Williamson, Thames Ross