When election time rolls around at the Students’ Union, you might see the term Single Transferable Vote (STV). It can sound a bit technical but don’t worry. STV is simply a voting system designed to make SU elections fairer, more representative, and more empowering for students like you.
When election time rolls around at the Students’ Union, you might see the term Single Transferable Vote (STV). It can sound a bit technical but don’t worry. STV is simply a voting system designed to make SU elections fairer, more representative, and more empowering for students like you.
Here’s everything you need to know…
Why Does the Students’ Union Use STV?
Most Students’ Unions choose STV because it ensures:
- Your vote always counts, even if your first choice doesn’t win.
- Elected officers better reflect the student body, not just the biggest group or most popular faction.
- Independent candidates have a real chance, not just those backed by large cohourts of students.
This is especially important in SU elections where:
- Lots of different types of students run
- Many roles represent diverse groups
- Students want their vote to genuinely matter
STV helps make the process fair and transparent.
How STV Works in Students' Union Elections
1. You rank candidates in order of preference
You put:
- 1 for your favourite
- 2 for your next favourite
- 3 for the next
… and you can keep going for as many candidates as you want.
You can still vote if you only pick one, but ranking more helps make your vote more powerful.
2. A “quota” is calculated
The quota is the number of votes a candidate needs to get elected.
It’s based on:
- Total number of votes
- Number of positions available
This is known as the Droop quota.
3. First-choice votes are counted
If any candidate reaches the quota, they’re elected.
4. Surplus votes move to students’ next choices
If your first-choice candidate has more votes than they need, part of your vote automatically transfers to your next preference so your ballot makes a difference in multiple ways.
5. Candidates with the fewest votes are eliminated
If no one hits the quota, the least popular candidate is eliminated and their votes move to each voter’s next preference.
6. This continues until all positions are filled
The process repeats transferring votes from elected or eliminated candidates until every seat is taken.
Why This Matters to YOU!
📣 Your vote has more impact
Even if your top choice can’t win, your vote still matters because it moves to the next candidate you support. This means far fewer wasted votes.
🌈 More diverse representation
Because STV reflects a wide range of student preferences, it helps ensure:
- International students
- Postgraduates
- Mature students
- Disabled students
- Students from different schools
…all have a better chance of being represented.
🤝 Encourages positive campaigning
Candidates want to be your 2nd or 3rd choice, not just your 1st.
That means:
- Less negative campaigning
- More issue-focused campaigning
- More collaboration between candidates
🗳 Gives independents a fair chance
You don’t have to vote tactically.
You can safely support an independent or niche candidate and still influence the outcome if they’re not elected.
⭐ What About RON? (Re‑Open Nominations)
On Students’ Union ballots, you’ll see an option called RON, which stands for Re‑Open Nominations.
What RON means
“I don’t think any of the current candidates are right for this role. I want the election to be reopened so new candidates can run.”
Why RON exists
RON protects the integrity of student democracy by ensuring:
- A role can’t be filled by someone students don’t want.
- Students can express dissatisfaction without staying silent.
- Elections remain competitive and meaningful.
-
When RON wins
If RON receives enough support to reach the quota or ends up being the final remaining option:
- The election is reopened.
- New nominations are invited.
- Current candidates cannot be automatically “given” the role.
Why you may choose RON
Students might vote RON if:
- No candidate has convinced them.
- They believe the role needs better representation.
- They want to encourage more people to run next time.
RON empowers you to say: “We deserve better, try again.”
A Quick Example
Let’s say there are 3 candidates for a role.
You rank your ballot like this:
- Aisha
- Leo
- Morgan
Three things could happen:
- Aisha is super popular and has more votes than needed → Part of your vote transfers to Leo.
- Aisha is eliminated for having the lowest support → Your vote transfers to Leo.
- Aisha gets just enough votes to stay in the running → Your vote stays with her unless something changes.
Either way, your ballot continues to shape the result until all three seats are filled.