From c4fab9dc759214df326c4a1cfde9918ec78ccbac Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: RunasSudo Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2021 20:14:03 +1000 Subject: [PATCH] Correct description of backwards tie breaking algorithm --- docs/options.md | 4 ++-- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/options.md b/docs/options.md index 9cb83ee..c7c3b22 100644 --- a/docs/options.md +++ b/docs/options.md @@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ The preset dropdown allows you to choose from a hardcoded list of preloaded STV Exceptions: * [E1] When generating random numbers, OpenTally uses a [deterministic random number generator based on SHA-256](rng.md), rather than the Wichmann–Hill(-based) algorithm. -* [E2] When breaking ties forwards/backwards, OpenTally selects the candidate who had more/fewer votes at the first/last stage when *any* tied candidate had more/fewer votes than the others, rather than the method described in the legislation (when each all had unequal votes). The OpenTally developers regard the method described in the legislation as a defect. For an independent discussion, see Conway et al. +* [E2] When breaking ties backwards, OpenTally selects the candidate who had more/fewer votes at the last stage when *any* tied candidate had more/fewer votes, rather than the method described in the legislation (when each all had unequal votes). The OpenTally developers regard the method described in the legislation as a defect. For an independent discussion, see Conway et al. * [E3] A tie between 2 candidates for the final vacancy will be broken backwards then at random, rather than the method described in the legislation. * [E4] The quota is always calculated to 2 decimal places. For full ERS76 (ERS73) compliance, set *Round quota to 0 d.p.* when the quota is more than 100 (100 or more). @@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ When *Surplus method* is set to *Meek method*, this option controls how candidat This dropdown allows you to select how ties (in surplus transfer or exclusion) are broken. The options are: -* *Backwards*: Ties are broken according to which tied candidate had the most/fewest votes at the end of the *most recent* stage where one tied candidate had more/fewer votes than the others, if such a stage exists. +* *Backwards*: Ties are broken according to which tied candidate had the most/fewest votes at the end of the *previous* stage. If a tie for most/fewest votes exists in the previous stage also, that tie is broken based on the next previous stage, and so on. This is the method specified, for example, by the [*Electoral Act 1992* (ACT)](https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/a/1992-71/current/PDF/1992-71.PDF). * *Fowards*: Ties are broken according to which tied candidate had the most/fewest votes at the end of the *earliest* stage where one tied candidate had more/fewer votes than the others, if such a stage exists. This is also known as the ‘ahead at first difference’ method. * *Random*: Ties are broken at random (see *Random seed*). * *Prompt*: The user is prompted to break the tie.