I've been asked several times why I've not blogged at all so far about the AV referendum. The reason is because I am not in the least bit interested. As people keep asking, I'll be voting Yes. I think First Past the Post is an awful system. I think that AV is very slightly less awful, as an MP needs over 50% of votes to win.
My own view is that rather than constituencies, we should have larger regions, and the seats should be dished out on % of vote. The criticism of this is that it breaks the link between a specific area and an MP. Given that most MP's are completely whipped to death and completely useless, I don't think the Constituency argument holds any water. I'd also allow the electorate the right to sack MP's if say 10,000 people signed a motion and then over 50% of the electorate voted to sack them. It would have been interesting had these rules been in place during the expenses scandal.
One other thing. I urge everyone to vote. A low turnout will be used by the opponents of referendums to say "people don't like to be bothered, leave it to us". I think the opposite is true, they've just chosen a subject akin to watching paint dry.
Sorry if it's a bit of a dull posting, but I can't get excited.
My own view is that rather than constituencies, we should have larger regions, and the seats should be dished out on % of vote. The criticism of this is that it breaks the link between a specific area and an MP. Given that most MP's are completely whipped to death and completely useless, I don't think the Constituency argument holds any water. I'd also allow the electorate the right to sack MP's if say 10,000 people signed a motion and then over 50% of the electorate voted to sack them. It would have been interesting had these rules been in place during the expenses scandal.
One other thing. I urge everyone to vote. A low turnout will be used by the opponents of referendums to say "people don't like to be bothered, leave it to us". I think the opposite is true, they've just chosen a subject akin to watching paint dry.
Sorry if it's a bit of a dull posting, but I can't get excited.
