Robson Rotation
Encyclopedia
Robson Rotation is the method of printing multiple ballot
s for single transferable vote
election
s, with each having the candidates listed in a different order.
Ordinarily all ballot papers in an election are printed the same, with the candidates' names in a set order. The order can be determined by lot, by alphabetical order or if two or more candidates "consent" to be grouped as a team, the grouping or party may specify the order of their names. However, this can give an advantage to the candidates listed highest on the ballot paper, because they will attract a 'donkey vote
'.
Donkey voters are common in systems with compulsory voting
where voters turn up to vote on election date to avoid a fine and number their ballot papers in the order of candidates on the ballot paper.
Using the Robson Rotation the number of distinct permutation
s of candidates names used on the ballot papers is increased, and eliminates any advantage given to a candidate by donkey vote
rs. To achieve this, a number of designs of ballot paper are printed, and amounts of each design are randomly distributed. This system was first introduced in Tasmania
in 1979 by Neil Robson, a Liberal
MHA
for Bass. It was first used in practice in the 1980 by-election for the seat of Denison
.
It was subsequently adopted in the Australian Capital Territory
in 1995.
Ballot
A ballot is a device used to record choices made by voters. Each voter uses one ballot, and ballots are not shared. In the simplest elections, a ballot may be a simple scrap of paper on which each voter writes in the name of a candidate, but governmental elections use pre-printed to protect the...
s for single transferable vote
Single transferable vote
The single transferable vote is a voting system designed to achieve proportional representation through preferential voting. Under STV, an elector's vote is initially allocated to his or her most preferred candidate, and then, after candidates have been either elected or eliminated, any surplus or...
election
Election
An election is a formal decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office. Elections have been the usual mechanism by which modern representative democracy operates since the 17th century. Elections may fill offices in the legislature, sometimes in the...
s, with each having the candidates listed in a different order.
Ordinarily all ballot papers in an election are printed the same, with the candidates' names in a set order. The order can be determined by lot, by alphabetical order or if two or more candidates "consent" to be grouped as a team, the grouping or party may specify the order of their names. However, this can give an advantage to the candidates listed highest on the ballot paper, because they will attract a 'donkey vote
Donkey vote
Donkey voters vote the way candidates appear on the ballot paper. Sometimes the term "donkey vote" is incorrectly used to refer to an informal vote although this use is not included in major dictionaries....
'.
Donkey voters are common in systems with compulsory voting
Compulsory voting
Compulsory voting is a system in which electors are obliged to vote in elections or attend a polling place on voting day. If an eligible voter does not attend a polling place, he or she may be subject to punitive measures such as fines, community service, or perhaps imprisonment if fines are unpaid...
where voters turn up to vote on election date to avoid a fine and number their ballot papers in the order of candidates on the ballot paper.
Using the Robson Rotation the number of distinct permutation
Permutation
In mathematics, the notion of permutation is used with several slightly different meanings, all related to the act of permuting objects or values. Informally, a permutation of a set of objects is an arrangement of those objects into a particular order...
s of candidates names used on the ballot papers is increased, and eliminates any advantage given to a candidate by donkey vote
Donkey vote
Donkey voters vote the way candidates appear on the ballot paper. Sometimes the term "donkey vote" is incorrectly used to refer to an informal vote although this use is not included in major dictionaries....
rs. To achieve this, a number of designs of ballot paper are printed, and amounts of each design are randomly distributed. This system was first introduced in Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
in 1979 by Neil Robson, a Liberal
Liberal Party of Australia
The Liberal Party of Australia is an Australian political party.Founded a year after the 1943 federal election to replace the United Australia Party, the centre-right Liberal Party typically competes with the centre-left Australian Labor Party for political office...
MHA
Tasmanian House of Assembly
The House of Assembly, or Lower House, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of Tasmania in Australia. The other is the Legislative Council or Upper House...
for Bass. It was first used in practice in the 1980 by-election for the seat of Denison
Division of Denison (state)
The Electoral Division of Denison is one of the 5 electorates in the Tasmanian House of Assembly. The division is named after Sir William Denison, who was Lieutenant Governor of Van_Diemen's Land 1847-55, and Governor of New South Wales 1855-61. The division shares its name and boundaries with the...
.
It was subsequently adopted in the Australian Capital Territory
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory, often abbreviated ACT, is the capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia and is the smallest self-governing internal territory...
in 1995.