Alternative vote campaign hits the streets of Bexhill

The national referendum, which offers a change to the current Parliamentary voting system termed First Past The Post, (FPTP), will take place on the May 5 at the same time as council elections.

Yes To AV campaigner Tony Smith said: “The campaign is supported by many members and voters from most political parties as it is seen to be a more democratic and fairer system.

“For one thing it ensures that every elected Member of Parliament in the future will always have more than 50 per cent of the votes from his or her constituency; currently, with FPTP it is not unusual to have an elected MP with 30 per cent or less of the electorate’s votes which suggests that 70 per cent or more of the electors in that constituency do not have their views properly represented.”

Leader of the local campaign, Clive Bishop, told the Observer he is willing to attend any meeting to explain the advantages.

Clive said: “Under AV although you will have the option to put Parliamentary candidates in order of preference on the ballot paper, first, second, third, etc. But you don’t have to do this. You can simply put your first choice down and then leave it at that.

“A ballot paper will be perfectly valid with just one choice or even with 1st and 2nd choices; there is no compulsion to put a choice against every candidate.”

The “Yes” campaigners’ reasoning is that under AV, Parliamentary candidates will have to endeavour to embrace the policies of their rivals in order to represent a far greater number of constituents. The argument is that voters would feel that their vote really does have some influence.

• For information and to join the “yes” campaign contact Clive Bishop on 07973 366190 or email [email protected]

PICTURED: Yes to AV campaigners