Democracy at its finest

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I just got a ballot paper from the AUT. There are eight vacancies on the executive committee, and we need to vote for who gets the posts. There are eight candidate for the eight vacancies. They want me to put them in order of preference on the single transferrable vote system, which ensures my vote will not be wasted. Should I read the eight candidates' statements carefully and think seriously about my choices, do you think?

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 24 February 2005 09:48 (twenty years ago)

Um ... do they have some stupid rule about still having to have a vote even in uncontested elections?

― caitlin (caitlin), Thursday, 24 February 2005 09:58 (twenty years ago)

In an actual election, it might be a good thing as a way to measure support - you don't want the BNP candidate to get 40% of the vote, after all. Similarly if (insert name of your favorite party)'s candidate gets twice the votes of any other, they may field two candidates next time.

However I'm guessing the AUT is a union or suchlike, in which case you are of course right.

― Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 24 February 2005 10:18 (twenty years ago)

maybe those who get zero votes won't get the job at all and they'll re-elect the vacancies

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 24 February 2005 10:27 (twenty years ago)

Yes, it's the Association of University Teachers, a union, so it's all individuals and not parties. I think they probably are just following rules on all this. I can't believe anyone will get zero votes (this is nationwide), but I suspect turnout will be rather on the low side, given that the whole thing is a little lacking in suspense and excitement.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Thursday, 24 February 2005 13:13 (twenty years ago)

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