How To Live In The 21st Century

2. How does it fit with Compass’ core beliefs of equality, solidarity, democracy, freedom, sustainability and well being?

A better voting system would give us a better democracy. We would have real elections in which more votes count and parties have an incentive to campaign everywhere rather than just in marginals, thereby encouraging more participation in the political process. It could give a more effective voice to politicians who espouse Compass’s values, a parliament that could hold the executive to account, and a Commons that reflects the pluralism of British politics. The proposed referendum might not change the outcome of the election, but would give electors a chance to vote for a better form of politics.

3. How does it build the institutions of social democracy, like social groups and collective and cooperative forms of ownership and control?

Opening up politics to new voices and making politicians more accountable through competitive elections would encourage campaigning organisations by giving them better opportunities to influence political debates. Eliminating safe seats would force MPs to take more account of the concerns of their electorates. All local political parties would have something to fight for in elections, making politics more vibrant at a local level.

4. How much will it cost or raise and where will any cost come from?

By holding a referendum on the same day as the general election, the additional costs would be modest. There would be the cost of referendum ballot papers and additional time would be required for counts, but otherwise it would not add greatly to the costs of the general election. Under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 the Government may decide to provide campaigning funds to each side of the debate, but it is not obliged to do so.

5. Which groups in the electorate are likely to support or oppose this measure? Is there any polling evidence you have on this?

Groups campaigning on poverty, climate, stronger civil rights and faith groups will support this measure as it may lead to a government more responsive to their demands. Liberal Democrats, Greens, and supporters of minor parties will support as it offers then better representation. Labour’s reformers will support, as will others who see it as an opportunity to fulfil a long-standing Labour promise. A 2006 ICM poll for the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust showed that, when asked, only 12% of people did not want to see a referendum on changing the voting system.

6. Is there a place or country where it’s worked? Please provide some information.

We have evidence from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that electoral reform produces more representative government and parliaments where decisions follow real debate. Research by the Electoral Reform Society shows electoral reform can increase opportunities for community groups to use the political system. Referendums on the voting system have been used in other countries. New Zealand introduced PR through a referendum. In Ireland referendums on the same day as elections have shown voters use their independence in rejecting the recommendations of the winning party. British Columbia will have a referendum on the voting system on Election Day this May.

7. What are the three main arguments in favour/against it?

For

1.We need to open up politics to new voices and new ideas. A referendum could ensure the next election will be the last under the present system.

2.Labour promised a referendum in its most popular manifesto of 1997.

3.A referendum on Election Day would allow the issue to be debated as a separate issue from party politics.

Against

1.Winners of 2010 election might choose to ignore the result, but at considerable political cost.

2.The referendum might be lost, but as democrats we must trust the people.