OPINION: Make your votes matter with a new voting system

Do you dream of being able to cast a vote for your favourite candidate or party, knowing that it will be represented in the final result and the people elected?

Do you yearn not to have to second-guess every single other person in your constituency, in order to vote most sensibly against the person you like the least?

Do you wonder if you can ever feel positive about voting, or feel like it makes a difference?

There should be no such thing as a "safe seat". Your representatives should never take your vote for granted, or presume that they will be re-elected no matter what they do or how little they do.

If you agree with us about this, you might agree that we need to change our voting system. We think the First Past The Post system, which saw the Tories elected in December with just 29.7% of the potential votes, should be a thing of the past. It's very useful to have have a clear winner if you are fighting a war.

It's much less useful if you are aiming to deliver considered, thoughtful governance that benefits as many people as possible and represents their views.

On Saturday, August 22, a few of us took our principles to the street across eastern Devon as part of the Make Votes Matter day of action. MVM wants to reform the voting system so that YOUR vote counts every time, so that you are never left feeling that you never vote for the person who ends up representing you. You might have spotted us in Exmouth, Seaton and Honiton!

First Past the Post is an 18th century democratic solution, conveniently maintained by those who benefit the most from it. A modern form or Proportional Representation would mean all our views would be reflected in the make-up of Parliament, and the reforms to Parliament that would inevitably flow from electoral reform would mean that even an independent MP could find their voice there. Until these reforms, electing an isolated MP is sadly a pipe dream.

It's a crucial fight, and we would urge you to get involved. Arguably we've never needed proportional representation more than we do now.

If you would like to find out more or sign the MVM petition, click here.