Lichfield & Tamworth Liberal Democrats

Why you should vote 'Yes' to AV and why the 'No' campaign is wrong.

The AV system that demands the winning candidate obtain more than 50% of the vote will mean that even those politicians who thought they had ?safe? seats will have to think again. By definition, the less safe the seat is, the sitting politician, candidates and their parties will have to work that much harder to ensure the widest possible support. Surely that can only be good for democracy.

Great Myths of the "No" Campaign"

The 'No' campaign have resorted to a campaign of myths and distortions

Myth Number 1 is that the BNP are supporting the Yes to AV vote. A cursory glance on the BNP website clearly states where they stand: "Why the BNP Will Urge a No Vote in the AV Referendum". I would argue the reason why the BNP do not want the Yes to AV is because they would not be confident in getting 50% support of any electoral constituency. BNP success usually comes from low voter turnout either at local elections with "First Past the Post", where MP's can, and are, elected with as little as 26% of the vote and 12% of the electorate. Alternatively parties like BNP can benefit from low turnout in European Parliament elections under proportional representation.

Myth Number 2 is that somehow a vote against the Alternative Vote System is a vote for some other more proportional system.

The reality is that a No vote will be interpreted as a rejection of ALL Electoral reform. The Alternative Vote was the most proportional option for a referendum that would be agreed to by those very Conservative politicians who are now making this claim. Alternative Vote is a small but valuable step towards a more proportional system of voting - It is not perfect but reject it only if you are prepared to wait another 20 years for your next chance!

Myth Number 3 is that AV is opposed by many in Australia, where it has been used for very many years - the truth is that there is no significant campaign in Australia for "First Past the Post" whatever.

Myth Number 4 is that the "Alternative Vote" will cost vastly more to run when the only significant cost difference is for a longer count in those constituencies where there the leading candidate has less than 50% of First Preferences.

Ultimately the success of AV is not about any political party or its leader but about enhancing our democracy for eveyone. By saying Yes to AV on May 5th we help ensure our democracy is equipped to give many more millions of voters a powerful voice in how the UK is governed.