ERS seeks new CE

The Electoral Reform Society is advertising for a new Chief Executive to replace Ken Ritchie, whose resignation effective from 26 June was announced on 17 May. The first advertisement will appear in tomorrow's Sunday Times and a copy is attached to this newsletter for your information. If you know any suitable candidates to lead the Society at this exciting time, do please draw their attention to the advertisement.

Referendum

The latest talk on timing is that the referendum may be held on 5 May 2011 to coincide with local elections. There are obvious advantages in this to the public purse and public convenience. However, I understand that the Electoral Commission ruled out a referendum to coincide with the General Election because of problems in separating candidates' and referendum expenses. It remains to be seen whether the Commission will make the same decision about local elections

The case for AV

Although AV falls far short of the STV we all love and want, it has certain advantages over First Past The Post (FPTP)that we must present vigorously in the referendum campaign:
Each MP would be elected by over half the constituency voters, which would improve their mandate;
Choice voting (by numbers) would considerably reduce wasted votes and make voting more worthwhile;
It would be a step towards PR, while retaining the single member constituencies that FPTP supporters seem to prize so highly.
More advantages of AV in a future STV News. Please e-mail me if you would like to suggest some.

Have you written to your MP yet?

If you have not already done so, do please write this weekend to your MP and urge him or her to support the Referendum Bill when it comes before Parliament. I set out some key arguments in STV News 10/4.

Spread the word

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More STV news

I draw your attention to www.stvAction.org.uk which contains much material relevant to STV not always to be found on other sites. I hope you find it interesting and useful.

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