PROPORTIONAL representation (PR) will be discussed at an open meeting organised by the Basingstoke branch of the Women’s Equality Party.
A speaker from Make Votes Matter – the cross-party campaign to introduce PR to the House of Commons – will speak to those at the meeting on Saturday, October 15 from 11am to 1pm at Proteus Creation Space.
Read more: OPINION - 'Our votes are meaningless in Basingstoke'
PR is an electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them.
Supporters of this type of system argue that it reflects voters' choices more accurately than other systems.
WE Basingstoke has previously lobbied for greater opportunities for civic and political engagement throughout the borough and is encouraging everyone to attend the meeting to learn more about our current voting system and PR.
Stacy Hart, who ran in the Hatch Warren and Beggarwood ward in the local council elections in May 2022, said: “We believe having a vote that counts is more important now, in this time of crisis, than ever before.
“One of the main reasons people become disenfranchised from politics is that they believe their vote is worthless and in many constituencies under a first-past-the-post-system they’re correct.
“The only way to get the truly representative politicians we deserve is to fix the broken voting system. It’s the change that allows us to make all the other changes we need.”
She added: “This is a non-partisan, cross-party issue and as such WE Basingstoke have invited all local parties, Borough Councillors, and every resident of Basingstoke to find out more, hear our speaker talk about what proportional representation would mean for the UK and discuss these issues.”
To book a free place at the meeting book via Eventbrite, or find the link and details on the WE Basingstoke Facebook page: www.facebook.com/wepBasingstoke, or email Basingstoke@womensequality.org.uk.
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