AV or not ?

[theoldbrigade]

Thoughts please.

Agree that it's sad nad worrying that so many people don't seem to care/know. It always seems the way in politics. But given how little most people do care about these things generally, it seems a bit odd to say :

'but only 37% supporting AV is quite a small number considering they've had it for 90 years so are more informed of it's limits and it's faults so their perception of it is based on seeing it in practice not just in theory'

Apart from the fact that this in one poll, to assume that all these people have studied the issues carefully based on 90 years of experience is a bit much really.

Also this:
The fact also remains in Australia - they have AV BUT where giving a second choice is optional not compulsory only 30% bother to give a second choice vote. In effect therefore Australians vote as if they have FPTP not AV whenever they can'

So this 30% means something but the other 37% mentioned doesn't

Giddy and others, just out of interest and as we're talking about Australia a lot, what do we all think of compulsory voting? I'm very torn.

I am totally against compulsory voting.
Although the system in the UK may be considered flawed by many I believe in the old saying " you didn't vote then don't complain". Simple as.

I think there is a good argument for compulsory voting (mind you, the bigotry in Australian politics puts me off - I strongly suspect things would get a lot more bigoted in the UK if most people voted) but above all, I would like a 'None of the above' option so we could register our disillusionment.

On the subject of 'you didn't vote so don't complain' - I know a couple of people who are intensely politically engaged, very bright, NOT nutters and resolutely do not vote: on the basis that when you realise whose agenda the government is furthering, you see there is no point. The more I read about eg the City of London Corporation, the more inclined I am to agree. (But I can't not vote.)

I beg your pardon ? Sorry, your friends attitude annoys me intensely - of course there is a point .Damn good cop out though.

Why does it annoy you?
The point (as made to me and not one I necessarily agree with) is that no matter which party is in power, the real power lies elsewhere. Therefore taking part in elections is a minority sport.

The bottom line for me re compulsory voting is that it really doesn't create a more engaged or politically literate electorate. If it did, I'd probably support it.

I am amazed at all the NO coverage in thepress and on TV when virtually everyone I have spoken to is a YES!

Noddy if you look at who's involved in promoting the No vote, you see why it's getting coverage in the media all the time.

We've had absolutely nothing in my mainly m-c area. Has anyone seen any polls about how it might go?

An estimated 98% of the audience at the live Today programme this morning claimed to have already decided how to vote. I wonder which way?

I'm always happy to have an important political debate to follow and I will LOVE the countdown and analysis that evening

Yes, because according to The BBC's Party by party guide which I presume is fairly impartial and is also VERY easy to understand (even I got it and politics washes right over me normally) the only people against it are the Tories, the BNP and the communists.

I think that says it all really. I'm proud to do anything that hacks off David sodding Cameron or Nick bastard Griffin.

Good-oh That is the kind of win-win that does it for me!

Actually it is about moderates Vs 'loonies' and extreme parties. Under AV, where a candidate has to get over 50% of the votes to get elected, extreme parties and loonie parties are eliminated immediately. They have no chance under AV (but do have a small chance with FPTP).

So a vote for AV is a vote against extreme parties, and a vote for more representative MPs.

More people are happier under AV.
so Vote for AV, vote for happiness :)

Exactly GiddyPickle ! Could not agrree more .

If it were PR then I would have no problem in knowing where to put my cross but this to me is just a panacea to the Lib Dems.

A total waste of true political debate and money.

HHLimbo "so Vote for AV, vote for happiness"

Goodness, the only thing that guarantees "happiness" is a heroin injection. Everything else is hard work without any guarantees. Any system can produce Hitler given the right circumstances.