Top pick judging uses the single transferable vote (STV) method to determine winners. STV is a ranked voting system designed to produce proportional outcomes.
Top pick selects winners but does not create a ranked list by default.
STV worked example
This example uses
- 100 entries
- 3 winners
Step 1: calculate the quota
The quota is the number of picks required to win.
Formula:
- Number of entries ÷ (Quantity of winners + 1) + 1
Example:
- 100 ÷ (3 + 1) + 1 = 26
Quota:
- 26
Step 2: count first preferences
All judges’ first preference picks are counted. Each first preference is allocated to the chosen entry.
Step 3: select winners who meet the quota
Any entry that meets or exceeds the quota is declared a winner.
If all winners are selected, the process ends. If not, continue to the next step.
Step 4: transfer surplus picks
If a winning entry has more picks than required, the surplus is transferred. Surplus picks move to the next preference listed by those judges.
Example:
- Entry receives 30 picks
- Quota is 26
- 4 surplus picks are transferred
Step 5: eliminate the lowest entry
If no entry reaches the quota:
- The entry with the fewest picks is eliminated
- Its picks are transferred to the next preference
Step 6: repeat until all winners are selected
Steps 3 to 5 repeat until all winners are chosen.
Good to know
- Top pick selects winners, not a ranked order.
- The leaderboard position does not indicate rank.
- All winners are equal unless you calculate a ranked list.
- The quota always rounds according to the formula.
- STV ensures votes are not wasted where possible.
- To produce a ranked list, see How to calculate a ranked list when using Top pick.