Electoral systems

In the Gisborne district elections, 2 electoral systems are used.

• Council will use First-Past-the-Post - FPP
• Tairawhiti District Health Board will use Single Transferable Vote - STV

First-Past-the-Post (FPP)

Electors vote by putting a tick next to the name of the candidate(s) you wish to vote for.  The successful candidate is the person who receives the most votes.

This is the same system used for parliamentary elections.

Single Transferable Vote (STV)

Electors cast one vote, regardless of the number of vacancies. This single vote is cast by ranking your preferred candidate with a '1', then your second preferred candidate by a '2' and so on.

The candidate(s) are elected by reaching a vote 'quota' based on the number of candidates and voters. First preference ('1s') are counted. Candidates who reach the quota are elected. Surplus votes for these candidates are transferred according to voters second preferences. Candidates who reach the quota by including second preferences are elected. This process repeats until the required number of candidates are elected.

The STV system is compulsory for all district health board elections. 

Further information about the STV system is available on www.stv.govt.nz