Referendum in the United Kingdom

As some people may have noticed England, has been in the news an awful lot lately. Something about a royal marriage going on or something. In all seriousness though congratulations to William and Catherine however, there are more interesting things happening in the UK at the moment. The people of the country are being asked a question that will shape the powers at be. The question is whether or not to switch the current voting system from the first past the post system to the alternative vote system.

The first past the post system gives people one vote that they can use on one candidate. The alternative vote system gives you multiple votes, a first vote, a second vote and, a third vote. Some forms give you as many votes as there are candidates, some give you a cap. In the first round of counting votes they count everyone's first vote, whichever candidate loses in the first round is knocked out of the ballot. People who voted for this candidate now have their second vote considered and voting continues till one candidate is left. If this is confusing please watch this.

The referendum will happen this Thursday, May fifth in the UK. This is the country's second referendum since becoming the UK. Citizens will be asked on the ballot: "At present, the UK uses the 'first past the post' system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the 'alternative vote' system be used instead'? Yes or no"? Best of luck England in the voting.

Referenced Works

http://www.yestofairervotes.org/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12892836