The AV Vote

[a stoner]

That's probably enough to make me vote no. Can you imagine that on a national scale? The Green Party in opposition? Hilarious. And not in a good way.

 

I have to agree it would be hilarious and in every way.

I can't be arsed voting at all on this one.

[piscinin]

That's probably enough to make me vote no. Can you imagine that on a national scale? The Green Party in opposition? Hilarious. And not in a good way.

 

If that was repeated on a national scale, the green party would have NO seats. That's the difference between AV and proportional representation.

[Cardie]

Maybe we should just abolish democracy altogether,

 

I thought we had

[Anny Road]

What about the swingometer?

[L19red]

If that was repeated on a national scale, the green party would have NO seats. That's the difference between AV and proportional representation.

 

Why would AV cause them to lose their existing seat? I can't see the tory voters in Brighton swinging to labour which would need to happen for the greens to lose under an AV system.

[piscinin]

Why would AV cause them to lose their existing seat? I can't see the tory voters in Brighton swinging to labour which would need to happen for the greens to lose under an AV system.

 

You're right, it wouldn't. I was talking about the hypothetical scenario Redder's was referring to where the Greens finished second in every seat.

[Strontium]

I think rather than predicting what AV might mean resultwise (a fool's errand), people should just ask themself "Do I want my vote to still count even if my first choice doesn't get in?" and then vote in the referendum accordingly.

[Guest Numero Veinticinco]

I think rather than predicting what AV might mean resultwise (a fool's errand), people should just ask themself "Do I want my vote to still count even if my first choice doesn't get in?" and then vote in the referendum accordingly.

 

I think people should think 'which system most benefits me and the party, or type of party, that I want to win'. Then vote.

[Strontium]

I think people should think 'which system most benefits me and the party, or type of party, that I want to win'. Then vote.

 

 

I know it's a popular viewpoint, but I don't agree with that type of thinking at all. I personally would always vote for what I genuinely believed was the most democratic system, irrespective of the effect it had on my preferred party's representation. Otherwise I couldn't in good conscience call myself a democrat.

[Guest Numero Veinticinco]

I know it's a popular viewpoint, but I don't agree with that type of thinking at all. I personally would always vote for what I genuinely believed was the most democratic system, irrespective of the effect it had on my preferred party's representation. Otherwise I couldn't in good conscience call myself a democrat.

 

I accept and agree with your point, but it must also be argued, if only for the sake of it, that it can be seen as an affront to democracy if you don't vote do what best in your interest. That is, after all, what it's all about. Democracy is not only about having equal say - although, I'm sure we'd agree that it is both vitally important to strive to achieve that equality, which is why I'm moderately in favour of AV over FPTP, and also acknowledge that AV doesn't achieve it - but it's also about people having power and using that power to influence rule in their favoured way. Democracy has evolved from something very, very unequal.

 

If we were talking about actual equality, rather than a very slightly less shoddy system, I think your point would quite easily trump the point I'm making. Actually, I'd be arguing for it myself. However, I still think, whilst we remain unequal, we need to do what is in our best interest. Personally, I see AV in our best interest, others don't. It's down to democracy, as broken as it is, to decide who wins that argument.

 

I don't think it matters too much, to be honest. It's likely going to pass. Nice to see Bradley so eager to get Clegg on board though.

[Elmyn Noos]

Voting against it. Fuck the Lib Dems. I'm not rewarding them for being cunts by giving them what they want. Firstly a no vote will speed up the demise of this government as it'll take away the Lib Dems main reason for being in coalition. Secondly, it'll mean that the Lib Dems will have less chance of being in another coalition.

 

This.

 

AV will give more power to people's second choice, which in most people's case is the chinless duplicitous ponitificating spineless power-hungry fucking LibDem hypocrites. Fuck that for a game of student fees.

[Elmyn Noos]

I know it's a popular viewpoint, but I don't agree with that type of thinking at all. I personally would always vote for what I genuinely believed was the most democratic system, irrespective of the effect it had on my preferred party's representation. Otherwise I couldn't in good conscience call myself a democrat.

 

It's just coincidence then that it would have a beneficial effect on your preferred party's representation.

 

Thank goodness for that.

[Elmyn Noos]

Having thought this through, if by some remote chance AV does get the nod, I think I might actually put Tory down ahead of libdem in my choices. The greens, the monster raving loonies, the BNP and the Free Lollipops for Paedophiles Party would all be above them both.

[sparta7]

As with anything, I want what I want, and I dont settle for things instead.

I wanted a Mercedes, I saved up and got one rather than having an Astra or a Fiesta

I want a #150 pair of jeans, I'll save up and get them rather than the #50 ones I dont really want but "will do"

I'll vote for the party that appealed to me and I think are worthy of my vote, the others failed the audition so I wont settle for helping them get in as some sort of consolation prize. And thats it.

[Stu Monty]

I find it laughable that this is being voted on and the majority of the nation have no idea what they are voting for or against. Democracy is brilliant, isn't it?

[Sugar Ape]

I find it laughable that this is being voted on and the majority of the nation have no idea what they are voting for or against. Democracy is brilliant, isn't it?

 

I work in the public sector, and most people I work with moan all day about cuts and the threat to their job and haven't the foggiest how AV works. Even after explaining it to them they don't get it.

 

Though I must say almost to a person they are all voting no because they think it will fuck up the Lib Dems.

 

Personally I think AV is a slightly fairer system, but I think I am going to vote no in the hope that it doesn't pass and hastens the end of this regressive coalition.

[Anubis]

I find it laughable that this is being voted on and the majority of the nation have no idea what they are voting for or against. Democracy is brilliant, isn't it?

 

Which is why we'll probably end up with a pathetic turnout.

[Guest Numero Veinticinco]

I find it laughable that this is being voted on and the majority of the nation have no idea what they are voting for or against. Democracy is brilliant, isn't it?

 

It probably would be if we had anything like it. Imagine what we could achieve in a real democracy. Shesh, that'd be something.

[Elmyn Noos]

I find it laughable that this is being voted on and the majority of the nation have no idea what they are voting for or against. Democracy is brilliant, isn't it?

 

Well it must be mustn't it? After all, our government's militia murder hundreds of people every week so that their country might enjoy the benefits of democracy.

[mypost]

I work in the public sector, and most people I work with moan all day about cuts and the threat to their job and haven't the foggiest how AV works. Even after explaining it to them they don't get it.

 

Though I must say almost to a person they are all voting no because they think it will fuck up the Lib Dems.

 

Personally I think AV is a slightly fairer system, but I think I am going to vote no in the hope that it doesn't pass and hastens the end of this regressive coalition.

 

That is a long shot. A very long shot.

 

Some don't understand what the phrase 5-year "fixed-term parliament" is. When they do, they'll realise it is 1 year down, 4 to go.

 

We don't use AV here, it's full PR. But even I understand what it is. It's quite simple. You either win 50% of total votes or keep counting until you get them.

[lifetime fan]

That is a long shot. A very long shot.

 

Some don't understand what the phrase 5-year "fixed-term parliament" is. When they do, they'll realise it is 1 year down, 4 to go.

 

We don't use AV here, it's full PR. But even I understand what it is. It's quite simple. You either win 50% of total votes or keep counting until you get them.

 

That isn't strictly the case. Of course that is the intention but you can have a candidate win the seat under AV without getting 50% of the vote.

[AngryOfTuebrook]

As with anything, I want what I want, and I dont settle for things instead.

I wanted a Mercedes, I saved up and got one rather than having an Astra or a Fiesta

I want a #150 pair of jeans, I'll save up and get them rather than the #50 ones I dont really want but "will do"

I'll vote for the party that appealed to me and I think are worthy of my vote, the others failed the audition so I wont settle for helping them get in as some sort of consolation prize. And thats it.

Similarly, I want a more democratic voting system. I refuse to be fobbed off with this AV shit.

[AngryOfTuebrook]

I've got to say, I'm not impressed with what I've seen of either campaign.

 

There seems like too much hyperbole, sensationalism, name-calling and point-missing. Pretty much like all the party political shite that's been dribbling out of Westminster for so many years.

 

Learn More | Yes to fairer votes - Yes to AV - Alternative Vote

 

Why Vote No | NOtoAV

 

[Strontium]

After the fucking grief I've been getting for the last 11 months, I can't believe the number of people here who are going to vote WITH the Tories in the referendum and against Labour, Lib Dems, Greens, SNP, Plaid and UKIP. You cheeky hypocritical fuckers!

[lifetime fan]

Or people are unhappy with a half measure and want PR?