Weekend voting
The Government is consulting on whether to move to weekend voting, as a way of increasing turnout. This is urgent because the last day for commenting is Friday 26 September. The electoral reform movement urgently needs your help in responding to this consultation, and making the case for First-Past-the-Post being a big barrier to voting. I would add that STV would provide a big incentive to vote. Point out that it doesn't matter on which day of the week an election is held because, if your vote doesn't stand much chance of counting, there may be little incentive to vote at all. Handily, there is an open-ended final question where we can make these, and other electoral reform related. arguments. Make Votes Count has set it all up on its website - www.makevotescount.org.uk - where you can find full campaign details and briefings, so it should take you only a minute or two to respond and be part of this campaign.

You can make a difference. The Government has received few responses to its previous Governance of Britain consultations so, with your help, let's make sure it receives a large number this time.

Give FPTP the (Wellington) boot

New Zealand's capital, Wellington, is holding a postal referendum now until Saturday 27 September to decide whether to retain STV for City Council elections or revert to FPTP. Our colleagues there are mounting a spirited campaign and are optimistic of success but you may be able to help. If you have any friends or relatives there, please explain the advantages of STV to them and encourage them to vote to keep it. You can read more about this and other New Zealand councils on www.stvAction.org.uk.

Responding to Government's response

Many readers signed a petition asking the Prime Minister to "promote a meaningful public debate on voters' experience of elections, and let voters determine if there is a case for changing the way we elect MPs." You can see the Government's response of today to the petition and STV Action's response to the Government's response on www.stvAction.org.uk.

Your views
Do please use the link near the top of this newsletter to tell me your views on its contents or on any other aspect of STV.