Election Explainer: How does preferential voting system work?

Australian federal elections use the preferential voting system to elect candidates.

Mpiga kura atumbukiza kura yake, ndani ya sanduku la kura za Seneti. Source: AP

Federal elections operate under the preferential voting system. 

This differs from the first past-the post system used in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and India.

The preferential voting process requires voters to mark their preferences for candidates on their ballot papers.