AV or not AV? That is the question
In the British House of Commons, there are 650 members elected by the ‘first past the post’ system. How many do you think obtain more than 50% of the votes cast? Well, the answer is only 270.
If we change the voting system to the alternative vote (AV), every Member of Parliament will need at least 50% of the votes cast and every candidate will have an interest in appealling to every elector.
The referendum on possible introduction of AV will – subject to the passage of the necessary legislation in the next few days – take place on 5 May. Today the “Guardian” has an article reviewing the current state of the campaigns for and against change.
As I did in the only other UK referendum in which I’ve voted – membership of the European Union in 1975 – I’ll be voting ‘Yes’.
For info on the Yes campaign, go here.
For info on the No campaign, go here.