How and why to use Single Transferable Vote calculation for creative awards

Creative awards can be a challenge when it comes to judging without bias or subjectivity, especially with traditional judging methods.

But, consider this: Single Transferable Voting, which can offer creative awards programs a way to reflect the collective will of voters more fairly and inclusively. By allowing voters to rank entrants and redistribute votes to ensure broader representation, this voting system can foster diversity, reduce vote splitting and elevate the most deserving winners.

As creative industries seek to highlight originality and authenticity, Single Transferable Voting (STV) can be a very effective way to make awards results more meaningful.

What is a Single Transferable Vote (STV) calculation?

The Single Transferable Vote system is a method that helps build consensus within a large judging panel and is used for elections across much of the English-speaking world.

Available as the “Top pick” judging mode in Award Force, this voting system uses proportional representation to reflect the diversity of opinions in a selection process.

STV or Top pick allows each voter to cast a single vote as a ranked ballot. The essence of this ranking is that their votes can be transferred in the order of their preferences if their favourite candidate is eliminated or elected with surplus votes.

The STV calculation requires that a candidate needs a set amount of votes—a quota—to get elected. The Droop quota is commonly used and it’s derived by dividing the total number of valid votes cast by the number of seats to be filled plus one. Then, one is added to the quotient.

This is expressed in the formula: (total valid votes/ (total seats + 1)) + 1 . 

Here’s how to calculate the Single Transferable Vote:

• Determine the quota needed to win
• After the counting, any candidate who emerges as the favourite more times than the quota is selected
• The extra votes received by that candidate are moved on to each voter’s second favourite candidate
• If none of the candidates reaches the quota, the least popular candidate will be eliminated and the votes of those who voted for them will be transferred to those voters’ second favourite candidate
• The process is repeated until every seat is filled

How to use the Single Transferable Vote (Top pick) in Award Force

Calculating the single transferable vote is easy in Award Force. It’s an excellent way to keep your program impartial and reach a consensus amongst a large judging panel.

To set up Top pick in Award Force, you’ll need to configure:

• A Top pick score set to record picks
• A judging round to control when judges can make their picks
• And a panel to assign who can pick which entries.

But don’t worry, you can use our simple and fast “Judging fast start” wizard to walk you through the entire process.

The benefits of Single Transferable Voting for creative awards

The single transferable vote system can be extremely valuable in the context of creative awards. Its structure makes it suitable for recognising and celebrating excellence in spaces where preferences can be subjective and diverse.

Here are some of the many benefits of using Top pick or STV in creative awards.

1. Single Transferable Vote calculation can reflect broader preferences

Single transferable voting allows voters to rank multiple entrants, ensuring that the winning entry represents the collective preferences rather than just a simple majority. This reduces the likelihood of a divisive winner and increases the chance that more voters feel satisfied with the result.

Embedded in the heart of this voting process is the understanding that, while art is subjective, recognition doesn’t have to be divisive. So, it facilitates a fair representation of voters’ preferences. Similarly, it promotes inclusivity; acknowledging the diversity of creative work and the nuance of choices ensures less popular candidates can shine through secondary preferences.

2. Top pick can minimise strategic voting

Unlike first-past-the-post systems, STV reduces the incentive to vote tactically. Voters can rank their genuine preferences without fear of “wasting” votes. This can encourage a more honest representation of opinions.

3. Single Transferable Voting encourages diversity in winners

In creative awards programs with multiple categories or winners, STV can help ensure a diverse selection by giving a fair chance to entrants with niche but passionate support. Creative industries often value recognising a broad spectrum of styles and voices, which STV supports.

4. Top pick can help avoid vote-splitting

If two or more entrants are similar or cater to the same audience, STV helps ensure they don’t unfairly split the vote. The system ensures that strong contenders aren’t penalised by having multiple comparable entries. It promotes consensus and confirms that winners enjoy mass appeal. The process saves voters from making a strict choice between similar candidates, effectively preventing the wasting of votes.

5. Single Transferable Voting can promote greater voter engagement

Voters appreciate having more say in the outcome, which can help boost participation. The ranking process allows voters to express nuanced opinions rather than being limited to choosing just one entrant.

6. Top pick voting encourages transparency and fairness

When entrants know their work has a fair chance due to a balanced voting system, it can foster trust in the awards and organisation. The quota and redistribution of votes provide clarity on why a particular candidate won or got eliminated—an element that can build transparency in the process.

By adopting Single Transferable Voting, creative awards can create a more inclusive and satisfying experience for both voters and entrants, enhancing the credibility and reputation of the award process.