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🗳️ Preference Vote Configuration Manual

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to configure a Preference Vote ballot on the Votin platform.

A Preference Vote is a structured voting method that enables voters to rank candidates or items in order of preference, rather than selecting only one. Each voter assigns a position—first, second, third, and so on—to some or all of the available options. This approach captures the full spectrum of voter intent, leading to results that more accurately reflect collective preferences.

The preference voting system is widely adopted in parliamentary elections, academic institutions, and participatory governance platforms, as it helps to minimize vote-splitting and reduce the need for strategic voting.

In the Votin platform, a Preference Vote ballot can be configured to allow ranking across multiple candidates or items. During result calculation, a ranking algorithm—such as Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) or Single Transferable Vote (STV)—is applied to determine the winner(s). Candidates or items with the fewest first-preference votes may be eliminated progressively, and their votes redistributed according to subsequent preferences until all positions are assigned.

This system promotes fair representation, voter inclusivity, and more nuanced decision-making, ensuring that final outcomes better align with the overall will of the electorate.

Selecting the Preference 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 Preference Vote, navigate to the sidebar and select "Election". A modal window will appear, providing descriptions of each election type. Locate the section corresponding to "Preference Vote" and click Select to begin the setup process.

Choosing this option initiates the configuration of a Preference 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.