West End Extra - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Published: 9 May 2008
Competitive capital vote
• LONDONERS understood that their votes mattered.
The high turnout figures in London show what happens when you get a competitive election and voting system that give voters increased choice and the power to affect the result.
This picture favourably contrasts with the local elections across the rest of the country, where turnout is significantly lower, at 35 per cent.
It may be the third set of London elections, but this is the first time that political parties, the media and civil society organisations have really got stuck into explaining how the different systems work.
What we are seeing is the benefits of this education and attention.
The London voting system encourages campaigning and get-out-the-vote activity.
It appears these voters have responded to this increased attention and the rare opportunity they have to matter, and are likely to have had a significant impact on the result. Malcolm Clark
Make Votes Count Director
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