Britain Alternate Voting Reform Referendum, 2011

A referendum to create an instant-runoff ranked-choice-voting style of elections for the British House of Commons was on the ballot on May 5, 2011. The measure was defeated.

The results were as follows:

• YES: 6,152,607
• NO 13,013,123 d

This measure would have implemented instant runoff voting (called Alternate Voting) for elections for the House of Commons. The measure would have also redrawn the electoral map of the UK and would have reduced the number of members of parliament from 650 to 600.

Support

Arguments

The Guardian compiled a list of arguments made in support of the measure, which are shown below:

“

The aim of securing more than 50% of the local vote would ensure MPs work harder to earn and keep voter support. Two-thirds of MPs at the last election were elected on less than a 50% share of the vote. It would end the "jobs for life" culture in safe constituency seats (campaigners point to MPs in safe seats who were embroiled in the expenses scandal that hit the previous parliament). It would encourage more people to vote, because voters would feel that their say matters more. Campaigners say many are deterred from participating because under first past the post because they feel their vote is wasted. AV is moving with the times: two-party dominance has made way for a more pluralist system (notably in devolved Scotland and Wales). It eliminates the need for tactical voting. Electors can vote for their first-choice candidate without fear of wasting their vote.' A switch to AV would not mean changing the current MP-constituency link. Supporters say the system would make it more difficult for extremist parties to win an election, because they would be unlikely to secure many second or third preference votes. It encourages candidates to chase second and third preferences, which lessens the attractions of negative campaigning (one doesn't want to alienate the supporters of another candidate whose second preferences one wants) and rewards broad church policies.

”

Opposition

The Guardian compiled a list of arguments made in opposition to the measure, which are shown below:

“

First past the post is the fairest system because it is based on the principle of one person, one vote. AV is a "losers' charter" where the candidate who comes second or third in first preferences can actually be elected. Some votes will count more than others: If a voter gives their first preference vote to a mainstream party, their other preferences may not be counted. But if they vote for a fringe party candidate who gets knocked out, their other preferences will count. AV is a "politicians' fix" because, instead of the voters choosing the government, it would lead to more hung parliaments and backroom coalition deals. Critics counter that the current coalition was a result of first past the post and that AV is unlikely to lead to more coalitions because it is not PR. AV makes decisive electoral outcomes less likely (critics again point to the 2010 election, which led to an inconclusive win for the Conservatives under first past the post). Switching to a new voting system would cost £250m. It takes longer to count. AV will do little to improve under-represented groups, such as the Greens, in parliament.

”

Poll

A poll of 2,010 British adults conducted by Angus Reid found that 30% of respondents were in favor, 41% were opposed, and 22% were undecided.

Date of Poll	Pollster	In favor	Opposed	Undecided	Number polled
April 20 - 21, 2011	Angus Reid	30%	41%	22%	2,010

See also

International Ballot Measures

• No to AV Campaign Website
• Yes to AV Campaign Website

Additional reading

• BBC News, "Inside the Yes and No AV referendum campaigns," April 7, 2011
• The Guardian, "AV referendum: Everything you need to know," April 7, 2011
• Winsford Guardian, "Nothing fair about changing the voting system," April 4, 2011
• The Daily Mail, "Fears move to poll reform 'will give BNP voters more say at ballot box'," March 29, 2011
• The Guardian Blog, "Trying to vote tactically with AV would be a far from simple affair," March 4, 2011
• Politics, "Feature: Drawing the AV referendum battle lines," February 27, 2011