+ def votestring
+ # create a mapping of candidates ids and the relative order of the
+ # candidates as they appear when sorted alphabetically
+ cand_relnums = {}
+ self.voter.election.candidates.sort.each_with_index do |c, i|
+ cand_relnums[c.id] = i + 1
+ end
+
+ # assemble the votestring
+ self.votes.collect {|v| cand_relnums[v]}.join("")
+ end
+
+ # the following subroutine is used for quickvotes. it creates a vote
+ # with the candidates listed in order of preference based on
+ # alphabetical order. it is meant to be manipulated and then confirmed
+ def set_defaults!
+ self.votes = voter.election.candidates.sort.collect {|c| c.id }
+ self.save
+ end