🗳️ Cumulative Vote Configuration Manual
This guide provides step-by-step instructions to configure a Cumulative Vote ballot on the Votin platform.
A Cumulative Vote is a voting method primarily used in elections where multiple positions or seats are to be filled. Each voter is granted a number of votes equal to the number of available seats and may distribute those votes among one or more candidates as they choose. Voters can allocate all their votes to a single candidate (a practice known as bullet voting) or spread them across several candidates in any proportion.
The cumulative voting system aims to enhance proportional representation and provide minority groups with a fairer opportunity for representation. It is commonly applied in corporate governance, board elections, and participatory democratic environments.
Within the Votin platform, a cumulative voting ballot allows administrators to define the total number of votes each voter can assign. The platform automatically prevents voters from exceeding their vote limit and accurately tallies cumulative scores for each candidate. This system encourages strategic voting, increases flexibility, and reflects the strength of voter preferences across multiple candidates.
Selecting the Cumulative Vote Type​
Upon logging into the platform, administrators are directed to the main dashboard, where two primary options are presented: "Create New Ballot" and "View Ballots". To begin setting up a new ballot, click on the "Create New Ballot" button.
Alternatively, by selecting "View Ballots", you will be taken to the ballot management page, which displays a list of all previously configured ballots. If no ballots have been created yet, the list will be empty, and a prompt reading "Add your first Ballot" will be visible. In this case, a "+ New Ballot" button will be available in the upper-right corner of the screen—clicking this button will initiate the ballot creation process.
You will then be redirected to a page displaying all available ballot types. To proceed with the configuration of a Cumulative Vote, navigate to the sidebar and select "Election". A modal window will appear, providing descriptions of each election type. Locate the section corresponding to "Cumulative Vote" and click Select to begin the setup process.
Choosing this option initiates the configuration of a Cumulative Vote tailored to the specific requirements of your voting scenario.
Enter Ballot Details:​
Set the ballot title and description, which can be customized using formatting options such as bold text, hyperlinks, and structured layout. Then, define the start and end date and time of the ballot. These time settings determine the official voting period during which voters are permitted to submit their preferences. Outside of this designated timeframe, access to voting will be restricted and no submissions will be accepted.
Configure Voting Parameters​
In this section of the ballot configuration, two key settings are available to tailor the structure and behavior of the voting process.
The Vacant Seats option determines the number of positions that are available to be filled in the election. This setting is essential for elections where multiple candidates may be elected, as it defines how many individuals the voters are ultimately selecting.
Lastly, the Random Order setting shuffles the display order of candidates on the ballot. This is implemented to minimize the potential for ordering bias, ensuring that no candidate has an advantage due to their position on the list.
Together, these settings provide a comprehensive framework for customizing the voting experience in a way that aligns with the specific governance and fairness requirements of the election.
Add Candidates​
This section allows administrators to add candidates to the ballot.
For detailed instructions on how to configure candidates, please refer to the Candidates Settings guide.
Add Voters​
To assign voters to a ballot, the platform provides four different methods, each designed to meet specific organizational needs.
You can learn more about each method in the User Settings section.
Once users have been added to the ballot, you can hover over the ballot price at the bottom of the page to view a detailed breakdown of the pricing applied to the ballot.
Set Ballot Security​
This section allows you to define the security configuration of the ballot. You can choose between Public, Private, Anonymous, or Custom security settings based on the requirements of your voting process. To better understand each option and determine the most appropriate setting for your ballot, refer to the Security Settings guide.
Blockchain​
The use of blockchain technology is automatically enabled for every ballot and is included as a standard part of the service. This feature cannot be disabled, as it ensures the integrity, transparency, and security of the voting process.
To learn more about how blockchain works within the platform, refer to the Blockchain guide.
Notifications​
This section of the ballot settings allows administrators to configure the types of notifications that will be sent to the users previously assigned to the ballot. Notifications are essential for ensuring voter engagement and timely participation.
To learn how to enable and customize notifications for your ballot, please refer to the Notification Settings guide.
Review Ballot Page​
The Review Ballot page offers a clear and structured summary of all settings configured during the ballot creation process. This includes voters, security parameters, notifications, and all other relevant details required before activation.
For additional information about the review process, pricing, and the features included with each ballot, please visit the
👉 Summary and Payment page.
Ballot Results​
To access and understand the results of a ballot—whether during the voting period or after its completion—please refer to the dedicated
👉 Reports Guide, which provides full details on how results are displayed, when they become available, and which data can be viewed based on the selected security settings.