Make your vote count. Learn how preferential voting lets you support independents and minor parties without "wasting" your vote or accidentally helping candidates you oppose.
This is the most important strategic fact about Australian elections. You can safely vote 1 for any candidate—even one with no chance of winning—and your vote will still count toward determining the final winner through your preferences.
Your vote transfers to your next preference if your first choice is eliminated. Every vote for a minor party also sends a message about voter priorities, even if that candidate doesn't win.
Your later preferences determine who wins if it comes down to Labor vs Liberal. Put whoever you want first—your vote will flow to major parties when it matters.
Your vote only ever counts for ONE candidate at a time. Putting someone last means your vote would only reach them if literally everyone else was eliminated first—extremely unlikely.
Independents have won multiple SA seats (MacKillop, Kavel, Mount Gambier). Strong first-preference results also influence future elections and show community support.
What's your situation? Find the strategy that fits you.
You prefer a local independent over major parties
You prefer Greens, One Nation, SA-Best, etc.
You really want Labor or Liberal to win your seat
You're not excited about anyone
Choose a scenario to see how different voting strategies play out in a realistic race.
Select a scenario and voting strategy to see the outcome
First preference results (before preferences distributed):
First preference results (before preferences distributed):
First preference results (before preferences distributed):
In most House of Assembly seats, the count eventually comes down to two candidates—usually Labor vs Liberal. This is called the "two-party preferred" (2PP) result.
In this example, if it comes down to Labor vs Liberal, your vote ends up counting for Labor (your 3rd preference) because they're your higher-ranked major party.
Example two-party preferred result after all preferences distributed
These seats have active independent or minor party challenges where strategic voting could matter.
Independent Meghan Petherick is mounting a serious challenge in this Eyre Peninsula seat. Regional issues like health services and infrastructure are key.
Open seat with no incumbent. Traditionally Liberal-leaning Adelaide Hills seat, but Cregan won as an independent. Multiple candidates expected.
McBride left the Liberals in 2023 and will contest as an independent. The Liberals will run a candidate to win the seat back.
Open seat after Troy Bell's resignation. History of electing independents. Expect strong local candidates from multiple backgrounds.
| Aspect | House of Assembly | Legislative Council |
|---|---|---|
| Voting system | Full preferential (number ALL boxes) | Optional preferential (1+ above OR 12+ below) |
| Threshold to win | 50%+ of vote (after preferences) | ~8.3% for one seat (quota) |
| Minor party chances | Low in most seats (need 50%+) | Good (only need 8.3% statewide) |
| Best strategy for minor parties | Vote 1 for them; preferences flow to majors | Vote 1 above the line, or rank below |
| Where independents have won | MacKillop, Kavel, Mount Gambier, Mawson | Multiple crossbench seats held |
| Key insight | Your preferences determine who wins close races | Minor parties can win seats with modest support |
The worst strategic mistake is voting against your true preference "to avoid wasting your vote." In Australia, that's never necessary. Vote your values first, and let preferences do their job.