Robson Rotation

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Robson Rotation is the method of printing multiple ballots for single transferable vote elections, with each having the candidates listed in a different order. To achieve this, a number of designs of ballot paper are printed, and amounts of each design are randomly distributed. Using the Robson Rotation the number of distinct permutations of candidates names used on the ballot papers is increased. This system helps eliminate the advantage given to a candidate by a donkey voter (someone who votes for the candidates in the order they are listed), as only a certain number of papers have the names in a certain order.

Ordinarily all ballot papers in an election are printed the same, with the candidates' names in a set order. However, this can give a strong advantage to the candidates listed highest on the ballot paper (whether by lot, by alphabetical order or by party machines - in legal form, in Australia, if two or more candidates "consent" to be grouped as a team, they specify the order of their own names, but in practice each party decides), particularly in compulsory elections where apathetic voters may turn up to avoid a fine and donkey vote.

This system was first introduced in Tasmania in 1979 by Neil Robson, a Liberal MHA for Bass.^[1] It was first used in practice in the Denison by-election, 1980.

It was subsequently adopted in the Australian Capital Territory in 1995.^[2]