On May 5th we will get the chance to choose a new voting system for the House of Commons, the Alternative Vote. For many, this will be their first chance to cast a vote.
With just a small change to what we do on polling day we can make a big difference to how politics works in Britain.
Under the Alternative Vote (AV) voters would rank the candidates on the ballot paper in order of preference, just as in most Student Union elections.
MPs working harder, for you
Under AV MPs of all parties would need to get at least 50% of the votes, not just the 1 in 3 who can currently hand them power. This will force them to address the needs and interests of all groups in their constituencies, especially young people. They’ll need to work harder and go further to get – and keep – their jobs. If someone wants to represent your community they need the votes of the majority of the community. That’s what making every vote count really means.
A vote that really counts
Under AV you have more control over who comes first, and who comes last. Forget tactical voting – just pick the candidate you really want to win. But if your favourite doesn’t win you can still have your say.
Cut MPs jobs for life
While it’s never been harder for graduates to get meaningful jobs, too many politicians have their ‘safe seats’ for life. MPs are making critical decisions over jobs, pay, pensions and essential public services.
These are decisions that affect the lives of millions of students and graduates across the country. Yet only a third of MPs were elected with the support of a majority of voters in their constituencies. Under AV you can shake politicians out of their complacency. Demand more from your MP, they’ll need your vote to win, and stay elected.
AV is bad news for extremists
The BNP are actively opposed to a change that would force candidates to reach out to the mainstream majority to win power. The Westminster system is the same system that’s seen them win seats in town halls across Britain, opposed by the majority of voters.
Your vote will make a real difference
Research evidence suggests that young people aged 18-24 are most keen on transforming our politics. This is a big chance to get engaged in politics, and to see those efforts pay off. Voting ‘No’, or not voting at all will send a strong signal to all political parties that students and graduates can be safely ignored both before and after elections.
Our current system has failed students, graduates, and all sections of the population.
The Yes to Fairer Votes campaign has a huge network of local and university groups across the UK, bringing together ordinary people from across civil society, from environmental activists to faith groups.
We need you to play a decisive part in a campaign that will change British politics. For good. Make your MP work harder, vote Yes on May 5th.
Yes to Fairer Votes