In Australia (home of the secret ballot!) preferential voting is used in most states as well as federally. It works well, even if we did wind up with a toe rag like John Howard for Prime Minister.

We also have compulsory voting, and election days are Saturdays. This means turnouts over 95% generally. If I remember correctly, the number of informal (invalid, if you like) votes about equals the number of "no-shows" so we have valid votes cast by 90% of the population. We even count them, which doesn't happen in some countries! :-))

Mind you, This system hasn't improved the quality of politicians to any noticeable extent.

Peace.