Calculator
Example Data Table
| Ballot Count | First Choice | Second Choice | Third Choice | Fourth Choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | Alice | Carol | Ben | Diana |
| 31 | Ben | Diana | Carol | Alice |
| 24 | Carol | Alice | Diana | Ben |
| 18 | Diana | Carol | Ben | Alice |
| 10 | Carol | Diana | Alice | Ben |
Formula Used
The calculator uses plurality with elimination, also called ranked elimination counting. In each round, every ballot is assigned to its highest ranked active candidate.
Round vote: Candidate vote total = sum of ballot weights where that candidate is the highest remaining preference.
Majority test:
A candidate wins when candidate votes are greater than 50% of the selected majority base.
The winning threshold is shown as floor(base / 2) + 1.
Elimination: If no candidate has a majority, the lowest candidate is eliminated. Ballots for that candidate move to the next ranked active candidate. Ballots with no remaining ranked candidate become exhausted.
How To Use This Calculator
Enter candidate names in the candidate box. Add one name per line for clean counting.
Enter ranked ballots in the ballot box. Start with a count when many voters used the same ranking.
Use the format 15: Alice > Ben > Carol. The number means fifteen identical ballots.
Choose whether majority should use active ballots or the original valid ballot count.
Select a tie rule. Then press the calculate button. The result appears above the form.
Use the CSV button for spreadsheet review. Use the PDF button for a printable summary.
Plurality With Elimination Guide
What This Method Does
Plurality with elimination is a ranked voting method. It looks beyond first choices. Voters rank candidates in order. The count starts with first choices only. If one candidate has a majority, that candidate wins. If not, the weakest candidate leaves the contest. Their ballots are not wasted. Each ballot moves to the next active choice. This cycle continues until a majority winner appears.
Why It Is Useful
The method is useful when several candidates split similar support. A simple plurality count can elect someone with less than broad backing. Elimination counting tries to find a candidate with deeper support. It rewards candidates who are acceptable to many voters. It also lets voters support a favorite first without ignoring backup choices.
Reading The Rounds
Each round shows active candidates, vote totals, shares, exhausted votes, and the threshold. The lowest candidate is removed when no majority exists. Transfer columns show where eliminated ballots move. Exhausted ballots show rankings that could not transfer further. These details make the result easier to audit.
Important Counting Choices
Majority base matters. Active ballot mode ignores exhausted ballots in later rounds. Original total mode keeps the starting valid ballot total as the base. Tie rules also matter. Real elections often define tie rules before voting starts. This calculator lets you test common approaches. Always document the selected rule before publishing a result.
Best Practice
Use clear candidate names. Avoid duplicate spellings. Group identical rankings with a count to reduce data entry. Review each round table before reporting the winner. Export the result for records. Keep the original ballot data with the final report.
FAQs
1. What is plurality with elimination?
It is a ranked counting method. The lowest candidate is removed when no majority winner exists. Votes for that candidate transfer to each ballot’s next active preference.
2. Is this the same as instant runoff voting?
It is very similar. Many people use both terms for ranked rounds where low candidates are eliminated and ballots transfer to later preferences.
3. What does an exhausted ballot mean?
An exhausted ballot has no remaining active candidate ranked. It cannot transfer further after its listed choices are eliminated.
4. How should I enter repeated rankings?
Place the number first, then a colon, then the ranking. For example, use 20: Alice > Ben > Carol.
5. What majority base should I use?
Use active ballots when exhausted ballots should leave the denominator. Use original total when the starting valid ballot count should remain the denominator.
6. How are ties handled?
The calculator offers alphabetical, reverse alphabetical, and eliminate-all tied lowest options. Choose the rule before counting for fair reporting.
7. Can I add write-in candidates?
Yes. Enable write-in names from ballots. The calculator will add unknown ballot names as candidates during parsing.
8. Can I export the results?
Yes. Use CSV for spreadsheet analysis. Use PDF for a readable report that includes the visible result tables.