After a slow start, the coming referendum on the Alternative Vote system is starting to have a major impact on press coverage of national politics. Against the backdrop of dramatic events taking place across the world, I know that some people have labelled the referendum a distraction. In recent weeks we have seen both natural disasters and military conflicts and so it is perhaps unrealistic to expect the British public to have been swayed so far into engaging fully in the electoral reform debate.
However the referendum will be greatly significant in the history and evolution of the British political system. A successful yes campaign will lead to the most dramatic transformation in the British voting system for generations. We do not often hold referendums here in the UK.. The last time a referendum was held in Britain the public was the first time I voted as an eighteen year old, when in 1975, the country said yes to our continued membership of the then Common Market. The result on May 5th this year will be equally significant in the way our country is governed.
I am in favour of retaining our current “first past the post” method of counting votes and others would like to see a new system introduced. Whatever the views of politicians, it is important for people here in Rugby to engage in the debate, to understand the arguments both for and against the move to the alternative voting system and to make their own informed decision. The ability to participate in a referendum is a fundamental principal of our democracy and one of which we should all take advantage. The referendum is taking place on the same day as local elections on the 5th May. It is my expectation that when people go to the polls to elect their local councillors they will also cast their vote in the referendum.
There will be, of course, an opportunity for those people who wish to learn more about the AV referendum prior to polling day to take part in a debate on the subject being held at the St Andrews Church Hall in Rugby at 7.30pm on Thursday 28th April. With the importance the voting system holds for the future of our democracy, I am sure there will be many people there.