An Australian ballot system is one which encourages candidates to 'reach to the Other'. Voters vote for three candidates, placing them in rank order. Their first choice gets more points in a weighted system. Candidates are therefore encouraged to seek voters outside their own constituency. This system tends to work very well in fractured electorates, where it helps to unite a polyglot society.

Aus*tra"li*an bal"lot. (Law)

A system of balloting or voting in public elections, originally used in South Australia, in which there is such an arrangement for polling votes that secrecy is compulsorily maintained, and the ballot used is an official ballot printed and distributed by the government.

 

© Webster 1913