preferential

Definition

A voting system where voters rank candidates by preference, ensuring second and third choices count if no one wins outright—democracy's way of saying 'we'll count what you really want, not just your first impulse.' Common in progressive jurisdictions that believe your ballot should reflect nuance.

Example Usage

The city adopted a preferential voting system to ensure minority candidates received fair representation.

Source: Merriam-Webster via Free Dictionary API

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