What is the AV?

Today’s the day that voters can vote for

the way they vote in future. Confused? Here’s a little breakdown of the

Alternative Vote that should make things easier to digest.

What is the Alternative Vote (AV)?

AV provides voters with the chance to rank

candidates in order of their preference. As many preferences as liked can be

selected, but only the first chosen will have their vote counted. Those who

receive 50% or more of the votes will find themselves automatically elected. If

no one receives 50% then the candidate who received the fewest votes will

automatically be eliminated and the second choices will be allocated in round

two of the voting system. This will carry on until one candidate finally gets

50% or more. 

What do the leaders think?

Prime Minister David Cameron wants to keep

the current system, first-past-the-post, in place, while his coalition

right-hand man Nick Clegg wants to switch. Labour leader Ed Miliband

also wants to switch.

Why vote Yes?

Pro-AV campaigners have argued that under

the current system too many votes are wasted and two-thirds of MPs are getting

elected too easily when they’re receiving less than 50% of votes. Plus, the

referendum is costing £90m to stage and will cost an additional £156m if the

switch does happen.

Why vote No?

First-past-the-post is traditional in the

UK and has historically led to a stable government. It’s more straightforward,

easier to understand and an AV system could lead to ‘indecisive outcomes.’ As

for the costs, anti-AV campaigners have labeled these figures as lies.

The decision?

Voting is today and the votes will be

counted tomorrow afternoon. The result will be announced tomorrow evening.

Let us know your thoughts and state your

opinions below.