Weekend voting - only 6 days to comment

As mentioned in STV News 08/10, the last day for responding to the Government's consultation document is next Friday, 26 September. Make Votes Count reports a good response so far, but many more replies are needed within the next few days to make a real impression. Please take a couple of moments to tell the Government that making votes more effective would probably increase voter turnout more than changing the polling day. There is more about this under "Why don't more people vote?" at www.stvAction.org.uk. If you have already responded, thank you; will you please now encourage others to do the same?

Public debate
Some readers will already know about this, but I recommend to you the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Electoral Reform's excellent Review of Voting Systems (Condensed) published with the help of the Electoral Reform Society. Announcing the publication, Richard Burden MP, the Group's Chair, wrote:

"The APPG on Electoral Reform exists to foster discussion on, and support the cause of, electoral reform. I am keen that it is voters themselves, and not just politicians, who debate our democracy and our voting system. In January of this year the Government published their own Review of Voting systems - we welcomed this but were concerned by the lack of public debate and awareness surrounding it.

This report by the APPG considerably condenses the Government document, accurately presenting its findings as well as offering our own view on the way forward.

I very much hope you find this a useful publication and are able to use it to widen this vital debate to others.

A link to an electronic copy of the report can be accessed on our group's website here (http://www.appgelectoralreform.org/resources.html) and hard copies are distributed by the Electoral Reform Society whom you should contact should you wish to order one."

STV for Cincinnati

Cincinnati citizens are voting on 4 November on whether to change from block X voting to STV for city elections. Success for STV there would not only be good for American democracy but would also be an example for England and Wales. The Electoral Reform Society is providing financial support and has also launched an appeal to finance more leaflets. Please visit www.betterballotcincinnati.org for more details of the campaign and http://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/donate.php to donate online. Alternatively, you may post donations to STV FOR CINCINNATI APPEAL, Electoral Reform Society, Thomas Hare House, 6 Chancel St, London SE1 0UU.

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