What will you be voting in the Voting Reform Referendum?

[-:Undertaker:-]

Neither system is proportional so I won't be voting for either of them, besides, there's no obligation for me to vote what-so-ever for either system.

There is one element of the whole campaign for both sides of the av referendum and local elections thats very weird and thats the hypocracy of the labour party. Just the other day red ed was trying to flaunt DC by saying "Broken Promise after Broken Promise".. oh how the hyocracy cat crawls out of the closet as people must surely have short term memory loss if they can't see who just over a year ago was part of a decade of broken promises for blair and brown and played a roll in one of the biggest if not the biggest financial crisis that this country has ever seen. I really can't understand how people can justify supporting a ship that sailed long ago. (this is not based on party politics, its simply based on fact)

They both break most of their promises every single time they are elected yet you both accuse each other of it every election and then continue to vote for them in your millions. The same will continue to happen in the near future and nothing will change unless you stop voting for them.

[Ajthedragon]

My parents are voting for the conservatives and no to av.

The last time Labour was on our council we racked up the worst debts of any East Anglia council and had to have cuts similar to those of now. So I (when I can) will never vote for them. They do it time and time again.

[Agnostic Bear]

I'm voting Conservative / Yes because a) I understand how economics work and b) I think I'd genuinely like to see what'd happen after.

I have been CHOSEN FOR A POSTAL VOTE so I'll walk up the road and hand that in later.

[Catzsy]

I will be voting 'yes' to AV. We have a watered down version in Wales. I feel it does give the smaller parties a say and also if in a safe labour/conservative seat many of the peoples' votes will never have counted - in this way it will. It is not as good as proportional representation but maybe it could be a first step that will be improved upon at a later date. It is better than nothing and better than 'first past the post' IMHO. I have also done a postal vote and sent it in the post!

[Conservative,]

I will be voting 'yes' to AV. We have a watered down version in Wales. I feel it does give the smaller parties a say and also if in a safe labour/conservative seat many of the peoples' votes will never have counted - in this way it will. It is not as good as proportional representation but maybe it could be a first step that will be improved upon at a later date. It is better than nothing and better than 'first past the post' IMHO. I have also done a postal vote and sent it in the post!

Thing is though, it won't. "Safe" seats are seats that have an overwhelming majority (normally 55-60+%) which means they would win in AV just as easily as in FPTP.

Also, AV is NOT a step towards PR. AV is simply a waste of money and resources. Whether we have AV or not, the decision of a referendum for PR will rest on the shoulders of Labour or Conservative party because they will still be the only parties getting voted in (but more regularly having to make deals with minority parties to get into power) and that won't (unfortunately) happen unless there is a radical change in ideals from both parties. Sorry, but AV is pointless.

[Fez]

Can't vote but would vote NO and UKIP, there's not a Pirate candidate in my area.

Mother is voting NO and LABOUR as the local MP recently moved my grandma's housing priority up and personally recommended a house to offer on, which she took up and is now happily living.

ALSO

If you think AV is fairer, think again, people who tick more than one box get more of a vote portion.
If you think it's a step towards PR, it's not, it's towards a preferential (not proportional) vote where your opinion does not matter.

No to AV, No to FPTP, YES to PLPR (PR method).

[FlyingJesus]

The only person I know voting a yes for AV who's actually into politics is a guy who also thinks that positive discrimination is a good thing and that total socialism is fair

[Catzsy]

Thing is though, it won't. "Safe" seats are seats that have an overwhelming majority (normally 55-60+%) which means they would win in AV just as easily as in FPTP.

Also, AV is NOT a step towards PR. AV is simply a waste of money and resources. Whether we have AV or not, the decision of a referendum for PR will rest on the shoulders of Labour or Conservative party because they will still be the only parties getting voted in (but more regularly having to make deals with minority parties to get into power) and that won't (unfortunately) happen unless there is a radical change in ideals from both parties. Sorry, but AV is pointless.

Agreed that some seats would still be safe however, ' a safe seat' is not defined by % it is defined with those having a 15,000 majority. Our voters are pretty apathetic and this might just get more out to vote. Will be interesting to see. You or I cannot say that AV is pointless or that it might lead to PR - that is for hostory to decide. Lets face it who would have thought the two factions in Palestine would sign an agreement. It does not pay to be too fixed in your opinions. Let the party begin! I will be up all night.

[Technologic]

The only person I know voting a yes for AV who's actually into politics is a guy who also thinks that positive discrimination is a good thing and that total socialism is fair

Bahaha. Same here, he struts around wearing a hammer and sickle.

Damned Socialists

[Sarah]

I voted yes (mainly because of the reasons Rosie outlined).

I will be voting 'yes' to AV. We have a watered down version in Wales. I feel it does give the smaller parties a say and also if in a safe labour/conservative seat many of the peoples' votes will never have counted - in this way it will. It is not as good as proportional representation but maybe it could be a first step that will be improved upon at a later date. It is better than nothing and better than 'first past the post' IMHO. I have also done a postal vote and sent it in the post!