WHY VOTE NO

Why Vote NoAV makes elections unfair

AV breaks the principle of one person one choice, because supporters of fringe parties, such as the BNP and UKIP, end up having their vote counted several times while supporters of mainstream parties only have their vote counted once. Under AV the candidate that comes in third place can end up winning. Talented Labour MPs could be evicted in favour of mediocre compromise candidates. The Liberal Democrats hope to win many more seats through being everybody's second choice. Voters themselves should decide who the best candidate is, not the voting system.

AV is a politician's fix

AV is a politician's fix, taking power away from voters and allowing the Liberal Democrats to choose the government after each election. The only vote that really counts under AV is Nick Clegg's. Our current tried and tested voting system delivers clear outcomes and everyone's vote is equal. Where is the democracy in allowing the party that comes third to decide whether Labour go into government or not?

AV is complicated and expensive

Only three countries use the complicated system - Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea - and Australia has compulsory voting to make sure people turn up. AV would also be expensive, requiring councils to spend more time and money on vote counting, which would increase your council tax.

This referendum is a choice between a voting system that gives everyone an equal say, and delivers clear outcomes, and a complicated, expensive and unfair political fix. Defend one person, one vote


Vote NO to AV on 5 May 2011

NOtoAV is a campaign that has support from members of several political parties. More than a hundred Labour MPs oppose AV. The campaign is backed by Lord Prescott, Margaret Beckett, members of the shadow cabinet and leading trade unions