Resource
Run a Mini Preferential Election
Count twenty fictional animal ballots through two exclusions to find an absolute majority.
Preview the student activity
Download printer-friendly student PDFCheck the preview, printing notes and licence before use.
What children do
Count twenty fictional animal ballots through two exclusions to find an absolute majority.
Download
- Colour student PDF — 3 A4 pages.
- Printer-friendly student PDF — black outlines and white backgrounds.
- Separate answers and educator notes.
Age and preparation
Years 5–6 / ages 10–12. Allow around 40 minutes. A4 paper, pencils and scissors; optional glue. Print at actual size.
Use the activity
The twenty supplied fictional ballots have been mathematically checked. Keep each ballot ID visible and record transfers on the counting sheet. No exclusion requires a tie-break.
Accept spoken answers, pointing or a partner scribe when writing is a barrier. For a challenge, ask learners to explain the clue behind an answer. Colour never determines a factual answer.
Scope and accuracy
These activities use fictional choices and simplified House-style preferences, not a Senate count. Electoral material is flagged for review before the next use after a rule change or federal election. Follow current AEC instructions in a real election.
Factual sources
Reviewed on 2 October 2026 against official Australian sources. Electoral review due: 2027-04-02, or sooner after a rule change. Original wording and illustrations are used; official artwork and ballot designs are not reproduced.
