AS politics: election systems update

I’ve just been doing some research on the arguments for and against the alternative vote.

This is a summary of my initial findings. I also link to some resources.

It’s not an exhaustive account of the debate, but makes a good starting point if you are looking to integrate the potential introduction of AV for Westminster into your essays on ditching fptp.

Remember AV is not used for any UK elections, and possesses the following features:

It is single member
Involves preferential voting
Ensures the winner has a majority

The case for:

1. AV represents the simplest change for Westminster elections.

2. A stronger electorate: AV makes votes count

3. The winner can claim a genuine mandate

4. Tactical voting is unnecessary

5. Simplicity: voters can simply replace their ‘x’ with a ‘1’

6. Inexpensive and quick to count

7. System is widely used already (e.g. best film at Oscars)

8. Positive politics: keeps extremists out and fosters mature debate

9. AV for Parliament is evolution not revolution

The case against:

1. Election system mania: with SV, List, STV, AMS, and fptp already, do we need another electoral system?

2. No public appetite for change

3. Voter apathy: will AV actually boost turnout?

4. ‘Least worst’ candidate wins, not the candidate necessarily with the most concentrated support

5. Disproportionality: AV can potentially skew votes:seats ratios even more than fptp

6. Hung parliaments can still happen

7. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

8. More constitutional changes made on the hoof: a broader and more considered approach to our system is needed

9. Who uses it anyway? Australia, Fiji, er…, Papua new Guinea??

All you ever wanted to know about AV but were to afraid to ask

What it is

Why?

FAQ