I’ve previously written about the fairer voting system in an earlier posting and am happy to return to this subject. The referendum is due to be held on 5th May 2011, the exact same day as elections being held for Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland devolved institutions. That means those elections are not going to get the attention they deserve from the mainstream (London) media with all attention being focused on the referendum.
Why is the Westminster Government holding it the same day?
Well it’s supposed to reduce the costs involved in holding it on a different day. But, that doesn’t help Returning Officers in the three devolved areas as they have increased costs in ensuring that people get the right ballot paper for the votes they are eligible for.
What else? It will increase the turn-out for the English Council elections as well as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Will it? Who says? And which ballot is counted first? Are voters in Scotland and Wales going to have to wait until the following day before counting for those elections takes place. (Northern Ireland uses STV so are always done the day after). Why should they? Voters in Scotland and Wales are likely to view their ballots as more important and want to know what’s happened as soon as possible. It is of more concern to them than the referendum vote.
There will be much fewer problems caused if the date for the referendum is changed to something more sensible. Why can’t it be held in September? Cancel the main conference season instead. Hold it in October but just ensure it avoids the school mid-term break which can be in different weeks in different parts of the country – Halloween anyone?
