Reply to: AV Referendum

[VectraMan]

I guess it depends on how much people really vote tactically. AV makes that redundant, which is good for any candidate who does better than expected, and means the statistics gathered from 1st choices will more accurately represent what people really want, even if it doesn't mean the result does.

It seems like a fairer system to me, so I'm in favour. It's hard to work out what difference it makes to results; I don't think you can conclude that it favours any particular party.

[minestrone]

I have a Tory councilor, an SNP MSP, a labour MP and a Tory PM with a Lib DPM

What a mess.

I forgot to add the Labour MEP.

[centurian]

No they aren't. They will get the same number of votes as before, but some votes would mean something.

If extremists thought that they would get more votes under AV, then BNP would be backing a Yes vote, but they aren't.

Actually they could get more votes - because if you vote for any fringe candidate you are almost guaranteed of getting a 2nd vote - and maybe a third. Those voting for the "big" candidates only get 1 vote.

So this may encourage more people to vote for minority parties, knowing it is a "free" vote. That's the main criticism of AV - some people get more than 1 vote.

But although it means the BNP will get more votes, it make make it ever harder for them to get elected.

PR - now that's a different story. Nick Griffin will almost certainly be an MP under PR - along with a number of his colleagues. Last year, the BNP were the fifth largest party in terms of votes, getting more than the SNP, Greens and Plaid Cymru.

[TimberWolf]

I haven't voted for years, maybe because no one called years has been up for vote.

[d000hg]

No they aren't. They will get the same number of votes as before, but some votes would mean something.

Well when people know the guy they want has no chance, and voting for them is pointless, they frequently vote for whichever person with a hope they least hate. At least, that's the LibDem's excuse all these years.

[minestrone]

I have a Tory councilor, an SNP MSP, a labour MP and a Tory PM with a Lib DPM

What a mess.

[minestrone]

Extremists are likely to get more votes under AV.

Not with AV, it will hardly make a difference.

For that you want PR like we have up here, the BNP will get a seat in the next few weeks and the socialists are well presented.

[TheFaQQer]

Extremists are likely to get more votes under AV.

No they aren't. They will get the same number of votes as before, but some votes would mean something.

If extremists thought that they would get more votes under AV, then BNP would be backing a Yes vote, but they aren't.

[eek]

Extremists are likely to get more votes under AV.

But they won't be elected. We will however discover how many people actually support (even vaguely) the BNP and other marginal parties. The winner will probably still be the same Labour or Conservative monkey / hat stand that has always been elected.

[minestrone]

Don't feck with the formula.

[Doggy Styles]

Extremists are likely to get more votes under AV.

[TykeMerc]

and given this list includes Eddie Izzard and Stephen Fry, I'd vote no if they were campaigning to carry on not roasting babies on spits!

Fair point.

That's not on the referendum question list is it? I'd hate to give up part of my diet.

[OwlHoot]

Not had that letter yet, however as someone who despises the cult of celebrity it would be tricky for them to have come up with a more compelling method to make me consider voting no.

and given this list includes Eddie Izzard and Stephen Fry, I'd vote no if they were campaigning to carry on not roasting babies on spits!

[Sands of Time]

I hate all this pseudo-democracy!!

Bing!

[TykeMerc]

Have you had the letter from the "Yes" campaign? How patronising is that!

It tells you that AV is better and fairer. But instead of providing any arguments in favour, it has photos and quotes from 6 celebs (3 actors, 2 comedians, 1 cringeworthy poet): the implication being "You've seen these people on the telly. They're voting Yes, so you should too".

One of them is Colin Firth for heaven's sake. I'm sure he's lovely, but being famous for climbing out of a pond in 1995 does not make him a credible political theorist.

Not had that letter yet, however as someone who despises the cult of celebrity it would be tricky for them to have come up with a more compelling method to make me consider voting no.
It's long past overdue that the first past the post system is abandoned, although all politicians are so alike that voting is barely worth the effort of showing up.