In article , 
T.C.Roll-Pickering@qmul.ac.uk (Tim Roll-Pickering) wrote:

> Guy Barry wrote:
> 
> > I'd say that one of the most desirable features of an electoral system
> > is that it encourages people to vote at all.  Too many people nowadays
> > simply don't bother because they can't see that their vote will make
> > any difference.  Almost any system would be better than FPTP in this 
> > respect.
> 
> I think most voters don't follow the voting system details - 
> they're not exactly flocking to Euro or Assembly or devolved 
> parliament elections. The belief their vote doesn't make a 
> difference is more deep rooted in the seemingly similar outcomes 
> and failure of parties to deliver on promises. Whatever voting 
> system is used there is still going to be that problem. 

I have some strong evidence of this from representing a seat that was once 
marginal and is now safe. By safe, I mean seen as safe by my opponents. 
Turnout dropped dramatically when my opponents stopped campaigning hard 
for votes.

Although there are also sociological factors in turnout, there is a strong 
correlation between intensity of party competition and turnout in 
elections.

-- 
Cllr. Colin Rosenstiel
Cambridge                    http://www.rosenstiel.co.uk/
Cambridge Liberal Democrats: http://www.cambridgelibdems.org.uk/