The AV Referendum - How Will You Vote?

**Bob Bacon** · 08-04-2011, 08:10

The AV referendum campaigns are picking up I thought the time might be right for a poll!

So, how will you vote?

jase hill · 09-04-2011, 18:59

Have to say, I find it extremely strange that two forum members have voted that they will not vote? I take it that those who chose not to vote having voted here will will not complain at all when the outcome of the Av referendum is known and subsequent government is in power as a result of that vote.

**Gwyn Nicholas** · 09-04-2011, 19:51

Not that suprising when you consider 34.9 % of the country failed to turn up and vote in the general election. (and that was an improvement on the previous election)

**jungle1810** · 10-04-2011, 13:26

Hello,
I reckon that unless there is over a 51% turn out at the polls this new venture should be scrapped. I think and I may well be corrected by more informed members, the Welsh Assembly came into being with some thing like a 48% turn out of voters. but one area (Carmarthen ) swung the vote by a small number of votes in favour of the Welsh Assembly being formed. So 58% of voters let this happen by their apathy. Please do not doubt my motives regarding any voting system I can readily accept a majority decision whether I like it or not.But I think a majority of voters should air their views.or we are faced with a minority government? Assembly etc.
RBD aka jungle 1810

**Keith Jones 989** · 11-04-2011, 01:40

Don is absolutely right! Only 25% of the people of Wales voted for devolution. I have often asked political aspirers who accost me in the street why:

1. voting is not made a legal obligation punishable by a large fine if someone does not vote (hoping that the principle of them getting more cash in their pension pots might stir them to action), and

2. why is it that on every decision based on a public vote, ever made in this country, major changes are made to our way of life after less than 50% of the people vote for it.

like questions on MPs expenses, all I ever get (and I have asked many) is 'that's the way we do it in this country'!

**Gwyn Nicholas** · 11-04-2011, 11:23

The way I see it is this:

1. It is already Law that you must register to vote which makes sense as it prevents people voting more than once. To make people vote would go against their human rights and against the principles of living in a democratic society. As Jase pointed out, that does leave them in a position of total acceptance as to what follows good or bad, but that is their choice and their right.

2. We vote in politicians to make decisions for us. If only 60% of the registered population vote and 43% vote yes for a proposition (already a majority) that 43% must be added to the 40% of registered voters who abstained giving a total of 83% in favour (not literally of course only the 43% majority actually counts). The people of this country have been told time and time again, that a "no vote" still makes a difference to the outcome and if you are not voting against a proposition it is taken that you are happy to let the politicians you voted in, make the decision for you (or put another way, "go with the flow").

3. I know a few people who will not vote and their reasons vary. Cannot be bothered/They are all the same no matter who you vote for/My party wont win anyway/Dont like the candidate. I suspect the list is not limited to those "reasons". This is our form of democracy, love it or hate it this is what we have.

I think Bobs Poll above is a good indication of what we are like as a society when it comes voting for anything. Well over 90 members have been online in the last 24 hours yet only 27 people have voted and that is just a click of a button sat in the warmth of their own home. Granted this poll will not effect the future of politics in the world, but it is a question put by a respected member of this Forum community, gone unanswered by a majority. No Offence meant, just an observation.

**Keith Jones 989** · 12-04-2011, 11:14

The absolute worst voter (in my opinion) is the voter who votes Labour/Conservative/LibDem.........etc 'because my family always votes that way'! The people who do that disenfranchise themselves from the thought process completely.

Paul Hinge · 12-04-2011, 11:41

Keith,
A very interesting post. Can you expand what you mean by your statement please as I'm at a loss at what your point means? If you mean that main stream parties are the issue, then how do you see the governance of the UK and the devolved institutions paning out? Are you in favour of parties such as BNP, Monster Raving Looney Party, English Defence League, Ratepayers Party etc being drawn into main strem politics as elected representatives? I'm very interested in your views please.

**Gwyn Nicholas** · 12-04-2011, 12:11

I can see where Keith is coming from. When you look at the Labour strongholds of South Wales and The Tory Bastions of the South West, where to vote anything other than "THE PARTY", is to go against everything the family has built itself on. Archaic views perhaps but still very valid. Then of course you have the fact that 18 year olds today (not all obviously) have very little interest or understanding of politics and many, if asked who Pitt the Elder was, would probably reply "Brads father". These are ideal candidates for roping in to the "old guard" where many will stay simply because it is easier than arguing for change. That may be a very cynical view on my part but I think it has a certain ring of truth.