so, no threads about how AV has been resoundingly rejected then?

I think you'll also find that many people felt it was a waste to spend massive amounts of money implementing a new system when the current system actually works okay. Many are of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" ilk. And with all the cuts going on, I think it's highly irresponsible to be putting money into something that doesn't need it at this point in time. It's not urgent, it's not necessary, so I believe many felt it was not something they were prepared to have the government throw money into at this time.

I think what the London Mayoral system and FPTP both have in common is that they work OK. They may not be ideal and they may have flaws but they are not so terrible either for the majority of people. The LDs campaigned for decades on voting reform but I'm not sure that it was ever that high a concern on the priority lists of the average person. So starting campaigns to change something that works OK? We've seen how it ended up.

OK so lots of people genuinely don't believe that it is fairer.

What about the London mayor?

It hasn't yet happened that the second preferences of the LDs make a difference to the winner but it still could.

If it did, how would you all feel? Is anyone going to start a campaign to change the system for the London Mayor before the next Boris vs Ken show?

I voted no because I didn't think it was fairer.

It seemed beyond the comprehension of the yes campaign that people could possibly disagree with them except for naked self interest. Witness the hysterical "But is is FAIRER" squeaks and the trauma now it has been rejected. I have heard many explanations about why this happened, all based around stupid questions on the poll, unfair electioneering etc rather then the basic one of the public rejected it because they didn't want it.

I agree that mumsnet is not representative of the electorate.

Purits - I suspect MN is pretty widespread, but lots of people don't feel that strongly enough to post, or don't want to stick their necks out and get flamed if they do!

I did contemplate doing a MN-spreadsheet. There seemed to be a lot of pro-AV posters, but I thought it might be my skewed view and wanted to count up properly. I then decided that life's too short!

However, it does seem that MN called the general election wrongly and have now called the referendum wrongly. We are not as representative as some would like to think.

Boulevard - yes, there possibly are some that didn't understand it. I just find it aggravating that someone is condescending and ASSUMING that's why people voted against it. As if anyone that doesn't agree with them is either stupid or simply trying to get back at a political party. Because it just doesn't occur to them that perhaps possibly maybe they might be gasp simply thinking for themselves and not agreeing that it's the best way.

AV is slow and cumbersome (I've used it). And I want no part in ever allowing a party like the BNP to sneak a candidate into power by default and 2nd choices.

So I voted No.

And I am emphatically NOT a Tory.

i voted no because, like londonartemis said, it gives some people more than one vote.

i support a smaller party and they stand no chance of getting in under AV.

I voted NO because I don't think AV is a better or fairer system. I'd vote YES for PR as this is clearly the fairest system of all, but AV is a miserable compromise, which would cost money to administer that this country doesn't have.

But Boulevard, I think that's a totally reasonable point of view as well. Elections are serious. They determine the course of the country for the next 5 years. And if a person has had a system explained to them, but they still don't understand it, I don't blame them at all for voting against it, otherwise they will be disenfranchised.

Triggles: "Actually, I just find it appalling that you think people voted against it simply because they didn't understand it."

I know my mum did. "Ooh, no dear, far too complicated", she trilled merrily. Mind you, she does read the Mail.

Paul88. I honestly voted no because I believed that under AV the Labour party had more chance of getting in. I did not want that.

(b), (c), & it's a crap system anyway.

I think the problem you have (in common with the large amoutn of people in the YES vote camp) is that you say "If they went head to head then the other candidate would have won" and that really is your trump card.

From my perspective I disagree with that argument because they're NOT going head to head. There are other parties in the vote. And I firmly believe that if you believe in a party you vote for them, no second and third choice votes to allow you to have a wish list of options. I would be more on board with the idea of second choice votes counting for 2/3s of a vote and third choices counting for 1/3 of a vote maybe, with whoever ended up in front at the end winning (although I wouldn't be voting yes for it), but I believe you cast your vote for the party you believe in, and if you don't believe in them enough to chose them then you don't vote for them.

For the record - (c), along with a lot of other people I know...

I voted No.
I don't think AV is fairer. Why should someone who votes for the candidate who comes last, get a their second choice vote taken into consideration, when someone whose candidate came first or second etc doesn't. AV gives some voters more than one vote. That's simply NOT FAIR>

i think all voting should be compulsary anyway. I doubt if we will have another referendem on this for many years.

Giddy, interesting that you share Paul88's concerns about tactical voting.

And what about the turnout? 70% (No vote) of 40% (turn out) is, er ... about 30%? OK it's twice as much as the Yes voters managed, but it's still not exactly representative.

Should we make the next referendum compulsory?

Actually, I just find it appalling that you think people voted against it simply because they didn't understand it. And yes, you sound arrogant. And it's comments like those that make some even more determined to be against it, as it seems to unfortunately be those militantly pushing AV on everyone else that are so vocal and condescending about it. Do yourself and your cause a favour... back off and stop pushing people so hard and acting like your choice is the only choice that matters. It's not.