1 definition by Samuel DB
This method of determining the "winner" of a competition or election is common in many of the countries around the world that vote for their leaders. Unlike the "majority method" that requires 50% or more of the votes to win, the plurality method relies only on the winner to have the most percentage of a vote.
Here is one example of the plurality method in work.
Three candidates are running for office in a small community. Roughly 1000 people cast votes on election day; after the votes are tallied,
candidate A receives 34% of the votes,
candidate B receives 30% of the votes,
candidate C receives 36% of the votes.
None of the candidates received 50% to win in a majority vote. However, candidate C would have won because he/she gained the largest percentage of the votes.
Three candidates are running for office in a small community. Roughly 1000 people cast votes on election day; after the votes are tallied,
candidate A receives 34% of the votes,
candidate B receives 30% of the votes,
candidate C receives 36% of the votes.
None of the candidates received 50% to win in a majority vote. However, candidate C would have won because he/she gained the largest percentage of the votes.
by Samuel DB January 26, 2006