Plurality, ranked choice, approval voting, nominations, motions, and more. Choose the right method for each vote—or mix them in a single election.
Also known as: First Past the Post (FPTP), Simple Majority
The most widely used voting method. Each voter selects one candidate, and the candidate with the most votes wins. Simple, familiar, and fast. Ideal when you need a straightforward decision with a clear winner.
Most votes wins
Also known as: Instant Runoff Voting (IRV), Preferential Voting
Voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their voters' second choices are redistributed. This repeats until a candidate reaches a majority. Ensures the winner has broad support, not just a plurality.
Rank by preference, instant runoff
Also known as: Proportional Ranked Choice, Multi-Winner RCV
Need STV for your multi-seat election? ElectionChamp supports it through our ranked choice voting workflow. Run your election using ranked choice ballots—voters rank candidates just as STV requires—then export the results into our free STV Excel calculator to determine winners using the full STV algorithm with quota calculation and vote transfers.
Ranked ballots + free STV spreadsheet
Also known as: Multi-vote, Vote for all you approve
Each voter can approve (vote for) as many candidates as they wish. The candidate with the most approvals wins. This method eliminates vote-splitting and encourages voters to express support for every candidate they'd be happy with—not just their single favorite.
Approve all candidates you support
Also known as: Candidate Nomination, Self-Nomination
Before the election, let your members nominate candidates—including themselves. Collect nominations with optional supporting statements, then move the nominees directly into the election ballot. This replaces the awkward email chains and phone trees organizations use to find candidates.
Collect candidates before the vote
Also known as: Approve/Reject, Yes/No Vote, Bylaw Amendments
Put a motion, resolution, or bylaw amendment to your members with a simple approve/reject/abstain format. Perfect for governance decisions that need a formal recorded vote—budget approvals, rule changes, mergers, or any yes/no question that needs documented consent.
Formal approve / reject votes
Also known as: Straw Poll, Member Survey, Advisory Vote
Gauge member opinions, collect preferences, or run informal advisory votes. Surveys and polls give you the same security and tracking as a formal election, but with flexible formatting for non-binding decisions. Perfect for gathering input before a formal vote.
Flexible member feedback
Your real-world elections rarely have just one type of vote. ElectionChamp lets you combine multiple ballot items—each with its own voting method—in a single election. Voters see everything on one ballot and vote once.
No need to run separate elections for different agenda items. Set it up, launch once, done.
Not sure which voting method fits your election? Here's a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Method | Seats | Ranking? | Best When | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plurality | 1 or more | No | Straightforward election, clear choices | Simple |
| Ranked Choice | 1 | Yes | Contested race, need majority winner | Moderate |
| STV (via Excel) | 2+ | Yes | Multi-seat, proportional — results via free Excel calculator | Moderate |
| Approval | 1 or more | No | Crowded field, consensus candidate | Simple |
| Nomination | N/A | No | Sourcing candidates before a vote | Simple |
| Motion | N/A | No | Approve/reject decision | Simple |
| Survey / Poll | N/A | No | Advisory or informal feedback | Simple |
Yes. You can add multiple ballot items to a single election, each with its own voting method. For example, use plurality for a board election, ranked choice for a president race, and a simple motion for a bylaw amendment—all in one ballot that voters complete once.
It depends on how many seats you're filling. For a single-seat race, plurality or ranked choice works well. For multi-seat boards (like electing 3 directors from 8 candidates), plurality is the simplest option. If you need proportional representation via STV, you can run the election using ranked choice ballots and export the results into our free STV Excel calculator to determine the winners.
Yes. For ranked choice voting, the system handles all the rounds, eliminations, and redistributions automatically. When voting closes, you get the final results with round-by-round breakdowns—no manual counting, no spreadsheets, no errors. For STV, run your election as ranked choice, then export the results into our free STV Excel calculator which handles the quota and transfer calculations for you.
Yes. You can enable write-in options on any ballot item. Voters can type in a candidate name that isn't on the official list. Write-in votes are counted and included in the results. You can also use the nominations feature to collect candidates before the election starts.
Yes. Plurality, ranked choice, approval, nominations, motions, surveys—every voting method is available on every plan, including the free tier. STV is supported through our ranked choice ballots plus a free Excel calculator we provide. We never lock voting methods behind paid tiers.
Contact us and we'll help you choose. Most organizations use plurality for simple races and motions for approve/reject decisions. If you have contested multi-seat elections and want proportional representation, we can walk you through our STV workflow using ranked choice ballots and our free Excel calculator. We're happy to guide you based on your specific governance needs.
Every voting method. Every feature. Free for up to 20 voters. No credit card required.
Not sure which method to use? We'll help you choose — support@electionchamp.com
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