Make My Vote Count

The campaign for voter choice and a more representative parliament

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Brown has joined the electoral reform ball game, but is still nowhere near the ball

Responding to the news that Gordon Brown is set to announce plans for changing the voting system, Malcolm Clark (Director of Make Votes Count) commented:

“We welcome Brown’s recognition that First-Past-the-Post is no way to elect MPs in the 21st Century. After the expenses scandal, it is clearer than ever that we need an end to safe seats and jobs for life for MPs.”

“The system that Brown is apparently proposing – the Alternative Vote – will increase the choice for voters at the ballot box. But it will not give us a more representative parliament, reflecting the diversity of people and plurality of views across the country.”

“It is right that voters will get the final say in a referendum. But the choice needs to be wider. It cannot simply be between the current failing system and a new system imposed from above. Voters deserve the right to select the system that they want, so there must be a more proportional system on offer. And we should have that referendum as soon as possible, by the time of the next election. “

“The Prime Minister has joined the electoral reform ball game, but is still nowhere near the ball.”

Media contact:
Malcolm Clark 07733322148 /

Notes:

1) Make Votes Count campaigns for a fairer electoral system that encourages parties to compete for votes in all constituencies, and gives voters a stronger stake in our political system, no matter where they live.

2) Make Votes Count has joined together with a broad range of civil society organisations and individuals to call for a referendum on the day of the next general election to change the way we elect our MPs. See the ‘Vote for a Change’ campaign website.

3) Make Votes Count’s goal is to reform the House of Commons with a voting system that balances the principles of: (i) Broad proportionality (ii) Stable government (iii) Extending voter choice and (iv) Maintaining a constituency link. These principles would be met by the AV+ voting system recommended by the Jenkins Commission. But Make Votes Count will campaign for a yes vote in a referendum on any system that advances these criteria.

Posted: 09/06/09

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