On 5 May 2011 voting will take place for local elections and city councillors. Voters will also be voting on a referendum concerning the current voting system.
The independent elections watchdog – the Electoral Commission – recently assessed the knowledge of those getting ready to vote. The survey found that most people understood the idea of the voting systems that they were voting about.
It was found those who did not understand generally had low levels of education and literacy.
Students were highlighted as more influential voters in the recent election, but do they really understand what the Alternative vote means for them and the government.
In Canterbury both universities have used their own facilities to make sure the student population and locals in the city understand what the referendum will mean to them and the constitution.
In March this year the University of Kent had Professor Vernon Bogdanor CBE discuss the upcoming referendum.
Professor Bogdanor, one of Britain’s foremost constitutional experts, explains: “The coalition is proposing fixed-term parliaments, a reduction in the size of the House of Commons and an elected upper house.
“If these reforms come to fruition, they will fundamentally alter the British constitution.”
Canterbury Christ Church's lecturer in politics and international relations Dr Mark Bennister chaired a debate at the University's campus on 27 April. The debate had director of 'Big Brother Watch' campaign group Daniel Hamilton and north west director of 'Yes to fairer votes' John Ault speak on behalf of both options.
University of Kent Student Kathy Nguyen attended Professor Bogdanor's lecture, she said; “ I didn't fully understand the system in place, or what the alternative vote meant.
“The talk definitely helped me realise what kind of changes would be made if the voting system was different.”
The forensics student won't be voting in Canterbury but displayed appreciation for the University's choice to inform her and her peers.
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