There are many different types of voting systems in use around the world. For a brief description and comparison between the main voting systems in use in Australia, view this document (pdf - 75 kb).

A good voting system:

• provides for frequent elections;
• is based on procedures that are user-friendly;
• allows for all adults to vote, without prejudice against individuals or groups;
• has clear and accepted laws about voting;
• is based upon a secret ballot;
• has a clear and accepted process for counting votes and deciding on a winning candidate;
• incorporates 'one vote, one value';
• has results based on majority rule;
• provides freedom from false, misleading or unfair influence on voters; and
• ensures elections are administered in an impartial way.

More information on different voting systems can be found on the following sites:

• Australian Electoral Commission
• Electoral Council of Australia
• International Foundation for Election Systems
• International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)