Proportional Representation

Multi-member positions in the ALP (eg conference delegates, PCC, equity group executives) are determined by proportional representation (PR).

This means, to be elected, a person must obtain a quota (a portion of the total votes). In single-member ballots, a person must get a majority of votes.

Proportional representation systems come in a variety of forms and is used by many political systems world-wide. Most European parliaments are elected by proportional representation.

Proportional representation was introduced into the ALP in the 1980s as a means to ensure that minority groups (or views) are also represented at conferences and other forums.

The Australian Senate is elected using proportional representation.

Rule M12 on the ALP (Qld) Rules details how a proportional representation ballot is counted.

Briefly, PR works like this:

1. Members vote using optional preferential voting.

2. Once voting closes, the quota is calculated by dividing the total number of formal votes by the number of positions to be elected plus 1.

For example, the federal division of Griffith has 11state conference branch delegates to be elected. Let’s say 350 members vote. 350/12 = 29.167

This means the quota will be 29.168 votes. Calculations are usually made to 3 decimal places to ensure very little vote is wasted.

3. Then the primary vote for each candidate is counted.

If a candidate received more than the quota. In this case, at least 30 votes, then they are elected in the order of highest number of votes first.

But if a candidate gets a lot more than a quota, their surplus is distributed to other candidates not yet elected.

4. The surplus is calculated by subtracting the quota from the total votes received by the candidate (eg if the candidate got 47 votes, the surplus would be 17.832).

5. This surplus is then divided amongst the 47 original ballot papers (provided they show a preference) and a transfer value (eg 17.832/47 = 0.379) is attributed to each ballot paper and those ballots are distributed to the next preference for a candidate not yet elected.

And so the process goes on until all surpluses are distributed.

6. Then, if there are still positions to be filled, the candidate with the lowest vote remaining in the ballot is eliminated and their votes distributed according to the value they were received, primary votes first (value 1.000).

7. The count concludes when all positions are elected.

Here is an example of a tally sheet (actual): Griffith 2022

If you’s like more information about proportional representation, contact the General Returning Officer.