Voting methods explained
The way you count votes can change the result. This section explains the common voting methods in plain language, with worked examples, so that you can pick the rule that fits your group and write it down before the vote rather than after.
5 pages
In this section
Approval and Score Voting: How They Work and When to Use Them
Approval voting lets people tick every option they accept, score voting lets them rate each one. How both work, a worked example and a quick decision guide.
Majority and Quorum Explained: Simple, Absolute, Qualified
Simple, absolute and qualified majorities, abstentions and quorum explained with a worked example, so your group knows which rule decides before it votes.
Proxy and Postal Voting in Clubs and Organisations
How proxy votes, postal ballots and written resolutions work in associations and companies, what your rules must say and how to keep the vote secret and valid.
Ranked-Choice Voting Explained: IRV and STV with Examples
How ranked-choice voting works, from instant runoff for one seat to the single transferable vote for several, with a fully worked example and pros and cons.
What Is a Double Majority? EU Council, Switzerland, Clubs
A double majority needs two different majorities at once, such as people and states. How it works in the EU Council and Swiss referendums, with a worked example.
Other sections
Online voting for organisations
How to run an online vote or election in a club, association, owners' association or company: process, ballot secrecy, meetings and software compared.
Polls and surveys
Survey tools compared, anonymous polls, live polling for meetings and events, scheduling polls and how to write questions that people answer honestly.
Referendums and direct democracy
What referendums, initiatives and citizens' assemblies are, how they work across Europe, the history of EU treaty referendums and the European Citizens' Initiative.