Last month the coalition’s leaders fired the starting gun for the UK referendum on changing the Westminster voting system from first past the post to the alternative vote (AV).

The alternative vote allows electors to rank their candidates in order of preference, allowing the electorate a greater choice of preferred candidates. Under AV the voter can express their support to a party or movement they feel passionate about, while also ensuring that their preferred mainstream party won’t suffer as a result.

In short, the AV system will end the practice of “tactical voting”. People will no longer have to opt for the mainstream in fear that their vote will be “wasted”. Therefore AV seems entirely legitimate, to express your genuinely held beliefs with one vote and have an effect on the mainstream with the other. It’s as easy as one, two, three.

AV is a small change that would make our MPs work harder for our vote. No longer will MPs be able to campaign and legislate solely for their core vote, but will have to take into account the contrasting views of their whole constituencies, thereby empowering the electorate and the individual.

The Yes campaign is a co-operative of volunteers from all parties and none. If you would like to get involved in the campaign in Harrow, email yesbarnet@gmail.com or visit www.yestofairervotes.org

Mark Hofman
Co-ordinator, Yes to Fairer Votes — Harrow