Borda Count - Modified Borda Count

Modified Borda Count

In a modified Borda count (MBC), the number of points given for a voter's first and subsequent preferences is determined by the total number of candidates they have actually ranked, rather than the total number standing. This is to say, typically, on a ballot of n options/candidates, if a voter casts preferences for only m options (where m is smaller than n), a first preference gets m points, a second preference m – 1 points, and so on. This means, in other words, that if there are ten candidates but a voter ranks only five, then their first preference will receive only five points; their second preference will receive 4 points, their next 3, and so on. This method effectively penalises voters who do not rank a full ballot, by diminishing the number of points their vote distributes among candidates.

Thus he who votes for only one option/candidate exercises only 1 point; while he who casts two preferences will exercise 3 (2 plus 1) points.

In more general terms, an 'x'th preference, if cast, gets one more point than an 'x+1'th preference (whether cast or not). The MBC involves no special weighting: the difference is always just one point.

It is also possible, if specifically stipulated by the body using the MBC as its voting method, that candidates voted for by someone who does not cast preferences for all candidates get even less points than described above. For example, the first preference listed may receive m – 1 points instead of m points, the second preference will then receive m – 2 points, and so on.

The modified Borda count differs from a Borda count only in the preferences of those who submit partial ballots. In a BC on five options, he who votes for all five options gives his first preference 5 points, his second preference 4 points, and so on and he who votes for only one option still gives his first preference 5 points. In effect, therefore, a Borda count encourages the voter to submit only a first preference, in which case it degenerates into a plurality vote.

In a five-option MBC, by contrast, he who votes for only one option thus gives his favourite just 1 point; he who votes for two options gives his first preference 2 points (and his second preference 1 point). To ensure your favourite gets the maximum 5 points, therefore, you should cast all five preferences, then your favourite gets 5 points, your second preference gets 4 points, and so on, just like in a Borda count. The MBC thus encourages voters to submit a fully marked ballot.

The modified Borda count has been used by the Irish Green Party to elect its chairperson.