Election and Removal of the Prince

ELECTION
The Domain will use an instant run-off voting system that allows candidates to achieve a true majority vote without the need for time consuming, separate run-off elections. When voting, each Kindred ranks the candidates from first preference to last preference. If the Kindred finds a candidate unacceptable for the position, that candidate is left unranked.

Each Kindred's voting power is weighted by their Status within the Domain. A Kindred's vote counts once for each level of status they hold within the Domain. An Acknowledged Kindred's vote counts as one vote. A Valued Kindred's vote counts as three votes.

The vote administrator is chosen by random lot from the Priscus Council with at least one witness chosen by random lot from the general population. No two of these can come from the same Covenant.

The administrator and the witness/es sort each ballot according to the first ranked selection on each ballot. If this tally indicates that more than 50% of the votes were cast for a single candidate, then that candidate wins the election.

In elections with many candidates, it is more likely for no single candidate to be ranked first on more than 50% of the votes cast. In these cases, eliminate from the election whichever candidate has the fewest number of first place votes. Strike out the name of the candidate and assign that ballot's votes to the next highest ranked candidate. Then, re-tally the votes and see if any candidate has more than 50% of the first place votes.

If two candidates are tied for the least number of votes, then the tie is broken by comparing how many votes listed the two as second place choice. If this again results in a tie, compare third and following rank choices until one receives fewer votes. At that point, eliminate the candidate and continue the tallying process.

The tallying process continues until either of the of the following events occurs:
* One of the candidates receives more than 50% of the vote and wins the election.
* All but one of the candidates has been removed, and that candidate has received less than 50% of the total vote.

If the first situation occurs, contact the winner and share the results. The candidate elect accepts the office, then notify the other candidates, and then announce the results of the election.

The second situation can occur when the voters do not rank all candidates. If this situation occurs, then the election is without a winner and it must be repeated with a new set of candidates. The previous candidates can run again, but this provides any new candidates the option to run or any of the previous candidates the option to not run.

This entire process should be completed in no more than seven calender nights, to minimize damage to the Domain and its citizens.

REMOVAL
Every four years a joint meeting of the Priscus and Primogen Councils is called to review the Prince's performance of his/her duties. They hold a vote on the Prince's tenure. With an 80% super majority vote the joint Council can remove the Prince from office, forcing a new popular election.

Should the Prince resign from office or meet Final Death while in office, an election should be immediately called. Should the Prince be incapacitated for an extended time, an election should be called after the third month of incapacitation. During the Prince's time of inability to perform his/her duties, the Seneschal shall act as the Prince's proxy.