FPTP vs. AV: Referendum on May 5th

REFERENDUM polls will open on Thursday across the UK, to decide whether the political voting system should be changed.

MPs around the county are campaigning for their preferred system in their constituencies, as well as promoting candidates for the local elections.

The UK currently uses the first-past-the-post system, which requires one vote at the ballot and sees the candidate with the most votes win. Under the alternative vote, voters will be given the option to rank candidates in order of preference - any candidate with more than 50% of the vote automatically wins, but if it is below the candidate with the fewest vote is eliminated and voting starts again until a candidate gets above 50% of the votes.

The Libdems are encouraging the system which they see as a fairer way of voting and would give them a better proportion of seats during an election. Labour and the Tories are in favour of keeping the current system as it allows them to continue their widely-perceived 'two horse race', making it difficult for other parties.

In Folkestone, Conservative MP Damian Collins joined forces with Labour rival Donald Worsley.

"FPTP ensures the candidate who receives the most votes wins. It is simple, creates strong governments and is the most widely-used system in the world," Mr Collins said.

Posted in: local-life