---
name: "openstv"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "openstv"
version: "1.6.1-1.2"
release: "Debian 10 (Buster)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/openstv"
---

# openstv(1)

Single Transferable Vote and Instant Runoff Voting Software

## NAME

OpenSTV - Single Transferable Vote and Instant Runoff Voting Software

## SYNOPSIS

**openstv**

## DESCRIPTION

**OpenSTV** is an open-source software for implementing the single transferable vote and other voting methods such as instant runoff voting, condorcet voting, and approval voting. **OpenSTV** is the only open-source software that implements the single transferable vote exactly as used by governments, including Scotland and the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts. These methods have been extensively verified against other software and/or actual election results.

Organizations can use **OpenSTV** to implement their own elections. First, the organization must adopt a voting method. Second, the organization must conduct the vote, and this will most likely be done with paper ballots. Third, the ballots must be entered into the **OpenSTV** program. Finally, you can use **OpenSTV** to count the votes and determine the winners of the election.

## SEE ALSO

**Homepage:** http://www.openstv.org/

## AUTHOR

This manual page was written by Severin Heiniger \<severinheiniger@gmail.com\> for the Debian system (but may be used by others).

Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU General Public License, Version 2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation.

On Debian systems, the complete text of the GNU General Public License can be found in /usr/share/common-licenses/GPL.