Get Started
Please complete the form and we'll find the right solutions for your business
Our preferential voting system allows you to run your election and online voting for a single candidate with any number of nominated candidates. We assist in working out the list of preferences ahead of the election. The list can be used as polls and votes can be monitored in real-time via an online management dashboard, which breaks down each round of preference until a winner is declared.
Preferential Voting Process
Voters rank the candidates in order of preference voting. Placing a number one against a candidate is considered the first preference or primary vote. For example, if there are 3 candidates listed, the voter chooses 1 beside their first choice, 2 beside their second choice and 3 beside their third choice.
This process of elimination based on preferences continues until a candidate secures an absolute majority.
To be considered a valid ballot, the submitted ballot must satisfy the following conditions:
Different types of
preferential voting include
Full preferential
The voter must show a preference for all candidates listed for the ballot paper to be formal.
Partial preferential
The voter must show a minimum number of preferences for candidates – usually equal to the number to be elected.
Optional preferential
The voter need only indicate a preference for the candidate of his/her first choice and the allocation of any further preference is optional.
How Preferential Voting Results are calculated?
* If no candidate receives a majority (greater than 50% of the total valid ballots), the candidate with the fewest number of votes is eliminated and the ballots for that candidate are redistributed to each ballot’s second preference.
Where can Preferential Voting be used?
Preferential voting can be used in any candidate voting scenario. But in most cases, first past the post or cumulative voting is utilised. In some organisations such as sporting clubs, schools, tertiary education institutions, universities and government, it is governed by a constitution that has chosen a particular method of voting for their ballots and elections. If the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) method of voting doesn’t quite apply to the election, Vero can customise the voting method to suit the organisation’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is preferential voting?
Preferential voting is a voting system where voters rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.) instead of selecting just one candidate.
How does preferential voting work?
If no candidate receives an outright majority of first preferences, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Their votes are then redistributed to the next preferred candidate indicated on each ballot. This process continues until one candidate has a majority.
Why is preferential voting used?
It helps ensure the winning candidate has broader support from voters, not just a simple plurality. It reduces the chance of a candidate winning with only a small share of the total vote.
What happens if I only vote for one candidate?
In optional preferential systems, your vote still counts, but it may stop being transferred if your chosen candidate is eliminated early.
What is a “majority” in preferential voting?
A majority means more than 50% of the formal votes after preferences are distributed.
What does “distribution of preferences” mean?
It refers to the process of reallocating votes from eliminated candidates to the next preferred candidate marked on each ballot.
Is preferential voting the same as ranked-choice voting?
Yes. “Ranked-choice voting” is a commonly used term internationally, while “preferential voting” is often used in Australia and some Commonwealth systems.
Security & Compliance, Independently Verified.
When the outcome matters, you need a voting provider that can prove its integrity — not just claim it.
-
Dedicated security & development team
In-house professionals who build, monitor, and maintain our systems daily.
-
Real-time security monitoring
Continuously verified through our Vanta Trust Center, not static annual reports.
-
Audit-ready
Every vote produces a complete, defensible record.
-
Legally compliant
Built to meet the regulatory requirements that govern your vote.
Many voting providers rely on off-the-shelf tools with no dedicated security oversight. If your vote is challenged — by a union, a regulator, a disgruntled member, or in court — you need a provider with an experienced team behind the scenes and independently verifiable controls, not just a "trust us" approach. A failed challenge doesn't just invalidate the vote. It can expose your organisation to legal liability, operational disruption, and reputational damage.
Certified & Independently Audited
Vero Voting is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified and SOC 2 Type II audited, demonstrating our commitment to information security and data protection.
Why Vero Voting?
Vero Voting has been helping organisations manage voting and meeting processes for more than 20 years. Over that time, we've worked with a wide range of organisations across Australia, providing practical voting solutions that are secure, reliable, and easy for participants to use.
We understand that every organisation runs differently, which is why we take a flexible and hands-on approach to every project. Whether it's a member vote, AGM, election, or online meeting, our team works closely with clients to make sure everything runs smoothly and participants feel confident throughout the process.
Trusted Experience
Over 20 years of delivering voting and election services for organisations across Australia.
Secure & Compliant
Independent voting solutions built with security, transparency, and compliance in mind.
Complete Meeting Support
From online voting to live results and meeting management, we support the entire process from start to finish.
What Our Clients Say
About Us
It was great! Thanks so much for your support getting us through our first virtual AGM.
Hume Bank
humebank.com.au
It’s been absolutely great working with you. We’ve been impressed with how you’ve managed the voting process for us. Definitely a highlight!
Arnott's
arnotts.com
You have been FANTASTIC! I'm happy with the entire voting process.
De' Longhi Group
delonghigroup.com
