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  3. How do preferences work in the Senate?
Who will David be preferencing? How do preferences work in the Senate? Will David have a How to Vote card? Who would David support in the event of a hung parliament? Who is funding David’s campaign? Why does David have a party if he’s an independent? Who will be the second candidate for David’s campaign? Is David eligible to stand for election – isn’t he a citizen of Zimbabwe? Is David part of a Labor/Greens/Independents alliance? I’ve seen some flyers and ads around attacking David, are they allowed? I’ve been sent a postal voting form directly from a candidate, is this allowed? Why are there signs up around Canberra portraying David as a Greens candidate? Has David done any preference deals?

How do preferences work in the Senate?

Answer

If two candidates don’t get a ‘quota’ in the first count then the candidate with the least number of votes is ‘knocked out’ and their second preferences are distributed to the remaining candidates. This continues, with each candidate with the least number of votes being redistributed until someone gets the quota needed (one third plus one of all the votes). 

If your preferred candidate is not elected then your vote carries on at full value to support the next candidate you have numbered. Your vote is not wasted if you follow the instructions on the ballot paper.

Last election it took until the 25th redistribution for the second senate spot to be filled!