What’s at stake in the AV referendum on voting reform? On May 5
we will all be given the chance to change the current first-
past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system – where it’s one person,
one vote – to the alternative vote (AV) in which voters rank
candidates multiple times. The Liberal Democrats will often hold
the balance of power under AV and coalition government would go
from the exception to the norm. Some Conservative commentators
say Margaret Thatcher would never have been elected had AV
operated in 1979. Others say Gordon Brown might still be Prime
Minister if it had been in place for last year’s election. What
question will voters actually be asked? The question to be put
is: "At present, the UK uses the 'first past the post' system to
elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the 'alternative vote'
system be used instead'? Yes or no?" How do I vote on the day?
You show your choice by putting a cross (X) in the Yes’ or ‘No’
box on your ballot paper. Put a cross in only one box or your
vote will not be